CITY OF GREATER DANDENONG Climate Emergency Strategy...The City of Greater Dandenong is a resilient, net zero carbon city. THEMES Review in 10 years Leadership and ... The Action Plan

CITY OF GREATER DANDENONGClimate Emergency Strategy

2020 – 2030 ACTION PLAN

CITY OF GREATER DANDENONG 1

Contents

Introduction ........................................................................................................2

Theme 1. Leadership and Governance ............................................................6

Theme 2. Community Wellbeing and Culture ..................................................14

Theme 3. Business and Economy ...................................................................23

Theme 4. Energy and Buildings ......................................................................30

Theme 5. Biodiversity and Open Space ..........................................................42

Theme 6. Transport and Movement ..............................................................55

Theme 7. Assets, Infrastructure and Land Use Planning ................................63

Theme 8. Waste and Resources .....................................................................71

CLIMATE EMERGENCY STRATEGY 2020 – 2030 ACTION PLAN2

Council PlanThe Council Plan 2017–21 identifies six objectives that guide Council’s direction until 2021. These objectives represent a collaboration of ideas shared by Council and the community:

1. A vibrant, connected and safe community

2. A creative city that respects and embraces its diversity

3. A healthy, liveable and sustainable city

4. A city planned for the future

5. A diverse and growing economy

6. An open and effective Council

The Council Plan, recognising the need for the City to prepare for climate change, identified the development of a Climate Change Strategy as a key priority.

Climate Emergency DeclarationOn Tuesday 28 January 2020, Greater Dandenong Council voted unanimously on a Notice of Motion to declare a ‘Climate and Ecological Emergency’.

The notice of motion states that:

• The Climate Emergency Strategy and Action Plan gives priority to policy and actions that will provide for both mitigation and adaptation in response to accelerating global warming and climate change to drive emergency action to reduce greenhouse gases in line with global efforts to keep global warming below 1.5oC; and

That this continues to be emphasised as a key priority in the next Council Plan.

Climate Emergency StrategyThe Greater Dandenong Climate Emergency Strategy 2020–30 adopted by Council on 24 August 2020 sets out Council’s vision in response to the climate emergency:

The City of Greater Dandenong is a resilient, net zero carbon emissions city.To assist Council and the community to achieve this vision, the Strategy focused on eight specific themes, with goals, objectives and targets identified for each of these themes. Where council has direct operational control, Council objectives and targets have been identified. For those areas outside of Council’s direct control, community objectives and desired targets have been identified where Council can support the community.

The eight specific themes are:

1. Leadership and Governance

2. Community Wellbeing and Culture

3. Business and Economy

4. Biodiversity and Green Spaces

5. Energy and Buildings

6. Transport and Movement

7. Assets, Infrastructure and Land Development

8. Waste and Resources

The Climate Emergency Strategy Action Plan (‘the Action Plan’) sets out the detailed actions that Council will seek to implement over the coming 5 years. The Strategy’s themes, goals and objectives are summarised in Figure 1 on the following pages.

While Council can influence climate related outcomes, we cannot do it alone. If we are to achieve this vision, we need to provide leadership that helps mobilise our community, other levels of government, our partners and key stakeholders to act.

INTRODUCTION


VISIONReview in 10 years

The City of Greater Dandenong is a resilient, net zero carbon city.

THEMESReview in 10 years Leadership and

GovernanceCommunity

Wellbeing and Culture

Business and Economy

Energy and Buildings

Biodiversity and Green Spaces

Transport and Movement

Assets, Infrastructure and Land Development

Waste and Resources

GOALSReview in 10 years

A city leading its community’s climate change

response

A climate resilient city shaped by its community’s shared values

A city with a thriving and

resilient net zero carbon economy

A city of energy efficient buildings

powered by clean energy

A city that is cool and green

A city well connected through

Low Carbon transport

A city with a built environment

supporting the community’s resilience to

climate change

A city of low waste through efficient

resource use

COUNCIL OBJECTIVE

Review in 5 years

Lead the City of Greater

Dandenong's efforts to reduce emissions and

increase resilience to climate change

Council’s services supporting the

community remain resilient under a range of climate

scenarios

Council’s services supporting the local economy remain resilient

under a range of climate scenarios

Reducing Council’s carbon emissions through efficient

use of clean renewable energy

Increased canopy cover and carbon storage through Council’s streets and open spaces

Increasing Council’s use of active and low carbon

transport options

Reducing risks from climate

change impacts to Council’s assets and

infrastructure

Reducing the environmental impacts from Council’s use of resources

COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE

Review in 5 years

An engaged and mobilised

community responding

to the climate emergency

An engaged community

taking action to stay healthy in a changing climate

Engaged local business and industry taking

action to increase resilience and transition to a

net zero carbon economy

A reduction in the community’s

carbon emissions through efficient

use of clean renewable energy

A greener, cooler city reducing urban heat

island impacts and helping to drawdown carbon levels

Increasing community access to and use of active

and low carbon transport options

Reducing climate change risks to our community

through resilient assets and

infrastructure

Reducing the impacts from

our community’s use of resources and generation

of waste

ACTIONSReview in 5 years

Found in the body of the Climate Emergency Strategy Action Plan for each theme.Reviewed in 5 years.

INTRODUCTION


Role of CouncilThe Action Plan acknowledges that Council will take on a range of active and passive roles to achieve the implementation of the Climate Emergency Strategy’s vision, including:

• Planning and Decision Making• Asset Planning and Improvement• Strategy and Policy Development• Regulatory• Funding and Grants• Education and Engagement• Advocacy

Action Plan ImplementationThe Climate Emergency Strategy 2020-30 sets Council’s long-term vision. To achieve this vision, Council needs to provide leadership that helps mobilise our community, other levels of government, our partners and key stakeholders to act. This will require substantial changes to the way that Council and its community address climate change, in particular:

1. Council to take an integrated ‘whole-of-organisation’ approach to climate change across its own operations.

2. Council to support its community to lead effective responses to climate change. Council recognises that while everyone has a role to play, it must demonstrate leadership and empower others to act.

This Action Plan identifies Council’s actions over the next 5 years where it:

• It has direct operational control (Council Objectives)

• It seeks to influence and support the community, other levels of government, our partners and key stakeholders to act. (Community Objectives)

To further Council’s ability to effectively mobilise the community and others, the first few years of the Action Plan focuses on building Council’s capacity by putting in place actions that aim to create the ‘whole-of-organisation’ response to the Climate and Ecological Emergency required to achieve the best outcomes for the municipal community, including future generations.

INTRODUCTION


Action Plan Timeframes and ResourcesThe timings of each action are as follows:

Immediate actions already commenced, or to commence within the next 6 months (before 2021)

Short-term actions to commence within the next 6 – 18 months (before 2022)

Medium-term actions

to commence within the next 18 months to 3 years (before 2024)

Long-term actions to commence within the next 3 to 5 years (before 2025)

Ongoing occurring on an ongoing basis each year, or as opportunities arise

While the actions detailed in the Action Plan are currently considered within Council’s sphere of influence, the Action Plan does not indicate that resources are currently or will be available in the future for any specific action. Council’s resources are determined annually by Council and other stakeholders.

When resources are available, actions will generally be resourced according to their stated timeline as recommended by this plan.

This Action Plan recommends staged timelines for implementation. These recommended timeframes consider the complexity and nature of each action, some of which will require further investigation or collaboration with external parties before they can be implemented. The relevance of some actions, or their timing, may change due to the availability of resources.

Each of the actions has a stated Outcome / Indicator and each Directorate in Council has actions within this Action Plan. During the annual Business Planning and Budgeting process, each Directorate considers all endorsed Action Plans. The planning should take into account the recommended Action Plan timeframes and resourcing considerations set out in this plan.

Monitoring, Reporting and ReviewOngoing monitoring reporting and review of the implementation of the plan will involve:

• Council’s corporate reporting system will provide the framework for the annual monitoring and reporting of the Action Plan’s implementation.

• An annual progress summary report on the implementation of the Greater Dandenong Climate Emergency Strategy and Action Plan, which will be made public on Council’s website. The report will provide a summary of the key achievements of the past 12 months and progress to date.

• An internal operational evaluation of this Climate Emergency Strategy and Action Plan will occur after 5 years (2025–26) to enable a review of the effectiveness and relevance of the objectives and actions. A report on the five-year evaluation and review will be tabled at a Council meeting for noting.

• A full review of the Greater Dandenong Climate Emergency and Action Plan in 2030.

As implementation of this Action Plan progresses, Council anticipates further understanding of climate change impacts will develop, and new opportunities for climate mitigation and adaption will be identified. Additional opportunities will also emerge from changes to State and Federal government policies and programs, as well as available information, data and technology.

To ensure this Climate Change Emergency Strategy and Action Plan remains relevant, newly identified actions will be assessed and prioritised to ensure the continued implementation of the most effective climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. Where appropriate, new actions identified for implementation will be incorporated into Council’s internal monitoring and reporting processes and a revised Action Plan.

INTORUDCTION

Strategic Objective – Council


1.1 – Lead the City of Greater Dandenong’s efforts to reduce emissions and increase resilience to climate changeTarget: Reduce Council’s emissions to Net Zero Carbon by 2025

Measure: Council’s GHG emissions

Baseline: 2007/08 – 14,688t CO2e

Target: Embedding consideration of inherent risks and impacts of climate change into all relevant Council policies, strategies and plans by 2025.

Measure: Explicit reference to climate change in Council policies, strategies and plans.

Actions Council’s Role Timeframe Responsibility Outcome / indicator Resources

1.1.1 – Highly engaged staff supporting a whole of organisation response to climate change

A

With support from leaders across Council, raise staff awareness of the global Climate and Ecological Emergency. Our united corporate culture will focus on embedding climate change mitigation and resilience into decision-making processes, through strategic policies and strategies, day-to-day service delivery and workplans and performance measures.

Education and Engagement

Planning and Decision Making

Policy and Strategy Development

OngoingCouncil’s Internal

Sustainability Advisory Group

Staff and Councillor survey (Benchmark established in 2020–21)

Develop an annual program of staff training activities

Within anticipated operational budgets

BIncrease capacity of Council’s Sustainability Team to facilitate implementation of the Climate Change Emergency Strategy and Action Plan.



Immediate Planning and Design

Employment of an additional Sustainability Planning Officer

(3 years – Full Time position

$84,000 allocated in 2020–21 Budget

CInclusion of roles and responsibilities in position descriptions that facilitate internal champions and accountability for Council’s response to the climate and ecological emergency.

Planning and Decision Making Immediate

Council’s Internal Sustainability

Advisory Group

Updated position descriptions for all staff


THEME 1

Theme 1. Leadership and Governance Goal: A City leading its community’s climate change response.

The next five years – Council’s Areas of Focus



1.1.2 – A sustainable Council that has embedded consideration of climate change impacts and risks into its key governance documents and decision-making processes

ADevelop a Climate and Ecological Emergency Policy to drive Council’s climate change mitigation and adaptation objectives and principles, along with organisational roles and responsibilities.

Policy and Strategy

DevelopmentImmediate


Advisory Group

Climate and Ecological Emergency Policy adopted by Council in 2020–21


B

Development of next Council Plan (2021–25) – Continue to emphasise actions that will provide for both mitigation and adaptation in response to accelerating global warming and climate change processes. This is to place emphasis on responding to the Climate Emergency Strategy actions and reducing carbon emissions to meet the Paris Agreement’s lower target of keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees.

Policy and Strategy

Development


Immediate


Advisory Group

Corporate Services

Council Plan (2021–24) Within anticipated operational budgets

CCouncil’s internal Sustainability Advisory Group will oversee the implementation of the Climate Emergency Strategy and provide leadership and guidance to management on decision making.

Planning and Decision Making Ongoing


Advisory Group

Implementation of the Climate Emergency Strategy


D

Development or update of Council’s policies, strategies and plans – Implement processes to ensure explicit reference and consideration of climate change is aligned and incorporated into all corporate documents. All managers will need to ensure that their operational planning documents align to this need.

Policy and Strategy

Development


ImmediateCouncil’s Internal

Sustainability Advisory Group

Embedding and consideration of inherent risks and impacts of climate change into all Council policies, strategies and plans by 2025


E

To facilitate a whole of organisation response to the climate emergency, Council will broaden its understanding of the impacts of climate change across its operations by assessing the:

• Vulnerability of key Council assets and services across its operations to climate risks and the impacts on its service delivery and finances.

• Current adaptative capacity of Council to lead and mobilise the community to build environmental resilience in response to the declaration of a Climate and Ecological Emergency.



Advisory Group

Significantly lowered risk profile for community members and Council’s fixed assets and services

See Actions as indicated in this document

$25,000 funded in 2019/20 for SECCCA Vulnerability Assessment Project

Funding subject to annual operational budgets being approved as part of Council’s annual budget

LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE



FPrioritisation of possible actions identified through the vulnerability assessments to ensure Council focuses on implementation of the most effective mitigation and adaptation measures identified.

Planning and Decision Making Short


Advisory Group

Development of relevant criteria used to assess and prioritise the suitability of possible options identified through vulnerability assessments and other means.


G

In line with the principles of continuous improvement, an evaluation framework will be developed (Evaluation Plan) to guide an internal operational review of this Strategy and Action Plan after 5 years to evaluate the effectiveness and relevance of the objectives and actions, with a report on the review to be tabled at a Council meeting for noting.

Additional monitoring and evaluation will be achieved through:

• Annual monitoring of the progress towards the objectives targets and actions outlined in this Action Plan through Council’s existing corporate reporting processes.

• Council will provide an annual summary on its website of the progress towards targets and highlight key outcomes.

• A complete evaluation and update of the Action Plan will be undertaken by FY 2024/25


Planning and Design


Advisory Group

Annual monitoring and reporting program

Review and update of Climate Emergency Strategy and Action Plan by FY 2025/25 through development of a comprehensive Evaluation Plan

Within existing operational budgets

HDevelop organisational KPIs to monitor Council’s progress towards key objectives and targets in the Climate Emergency Strategy.

Planning and Decision Making Short Corporate

Services

Organisational KPIs developed and incorporated into Council’s corporate reporting and risk register


IAssess Council’s opportunities to support global efforts to shift investment away from fossil fuels into clean energy alternatives and sustainable industries.

Policy and Strategy

DevelopmentShort Corporate

Services

Assessment of fossil fuel divestment as part of the review of Council’s Investment Policy

Within anticipated operational budget

JCouncil to continue considering and analysing the financial implications of climate change on Council’s assets and services and identify strategies to embed climate change into Council’s financial decision-making processes.


Policy and Strategy

Development

OngoingPlanning and

Design Corporate Services

Strategies to embed climate change into the budget process will be developed by June 2021

Explicit reference to climate change in Council’s Annual Budget and Long-Term Financial Strategy


THEME 1



1.1.3 – Demonstrating leadership through Council’s actions to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its operations by 2025

A

Key measures to achieve Council’s target of Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2025 include:

• PPA – 100% renewable electricity• New buildings being designed to achieve Net Zero Carbon

Emissions • Increasing energy efficiency of existing buildings• Increasing uptake of electric vehicles • Increase uptake of solar systems / distributed energy resources• Completing upgrade of streetlights to energy efficient

technologies• Refer to the Energy and Buildings Action Plan for further details.

Asset Planning and Improvement Ongoing

Corporate Services

Business, Engineering and major Projects

Refer to Energy and Buildings Action Plan within this Strategy

Funding subject to annual CIP and operational budgets being approved as part of Council’s annual budget

1.1.4 – Providing a forum to increase Greater Dandenong’s adaptive capacity to respond to the Climate and Ecological Emergency and interrelated challenges

A

Develop and facilitate forums to consider in greater depth the interrelated nature of the challenges and fundamental changes required by Council and the community to effectively respond to the Climate and Ecological Emergency

The purpose of these forums is to:

• Establish processes and ensure Council’s actions and formulation of decisions continue to be responsive to the evolving challenges that climate change and other issues brings.

• Provide ongoing opportunities to explore to a greater depth and breadth the consideration of the issues related to decision making and formulating actions,

• Explore the space between the ‘possible’ and ‘probable’. • Consider in greater depth the interrelated issues such as

population growth, sustainability, climate change, water, governance, health and wellbeing, economic development, infrastructure and biodiversity decline.

• Increase Greater Dandenong’s adaptive capacity to respond to the impacts of the climate emergency

• Realise potential opportunities arising, such as the global low-carbon energy revolution that will transform the global economy in coming decades.


Internal Sustainability

Advisory Group

Planning and Design

Management and staff-oriented forums will commence in 2020–21

Significantly lowered risk profile for community members and Council’s fixed assets





1.1.5 – Council plans and policies provide a framework to assist in supporting an integrated and inclusive approach to community mitigation and adaptation

A

Embed consideration of climate change into the development of Council’s 2021–25 Council Plan and supporting strategic documents.

Council’s updated Community Wellbeing Plan will be incorporated into the new 2021–25 Council Plan. Under the Climate Change Act 2017, Councils are required to ‘have regard to climate change’ when preparing a municipal public health and wellbeing plan.

Other key supporting documents that will be the initial focus of embedding consideration of climate change impacts and risks include:

• Corporate Risk Register• Long Term Financial Strategy• Asset Management Plan• Local Economic and Employment Development Strategy• Access, Diversity and Equity Policy

Planning and Decision Making Ongoing Planning and

Design

All relevant Council Plans, Strategies and Policies to be updated with reference to climate change by FY 2024/25


THEME 1



1.2.1 – An engaged and mobilised community actively supporting efforts to make Greater Dandenong a resilient city doing its fair share to limit global warming to below 1.5o C.

AProcurement of a mobile Community Environment Centre to enhance Council’s provision of existing community environmental awareness and education programs.

Education and Engagement Immediate

Planning and Design / Business, Engineering and Major Projects

A mobile Community Environment Centre secured for Council by the end of 2020–21

$160,000 in 2020–21 Budget for mobile Centre

B

Assess current activities and new opportunities to inform and work with the community to increase awareness of climate change impacts to health and wellbeing and opportunities to reduce these risks in response to the Climate and Ecological Emergency.

Actions include:

• Opportunities to work with its diverse multicultural communities to raise awareness of climate change, and support community actions to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and build environmental resilience.

• Delivery of awareness and engagement programs and activities through a diverse range of approaches to maximise effectiveness and reach within the community. This includes working with key local community groups and networks, including grassroots community climate organisations.

• Assessment of the current capacity of Council to mobilise the community to build environmental resilience in response to the declaration of a Climate and Ecological emergency.

Planning and Decision Making Short Planning and

Design

Development of Climate Change Community Engagement and Mobilisation Plan in 2020–21


Strategic Objective – Community

1.2 – An engaged and mobilised community responding to the climate emergencyTarget: Increased recognition by our community of the importance of responding to climate change

Measure: Climate change question incorporated into the Annual Community Satisfaction Survey

Baseline: Baseline: To be established





CIdentify opportunities that explain to the community the emerging risks due to climate change and develop a range of practical and realistic actions that the community can take or apply in their homes or at work.



Ongoing Planning and Design

Council’s community engagement material remains relevant and effective


1.2.2 – Council plans and policies provide a framework to assist in supporting an integrated and inclusive approach to community mitigation and adaptation.

A

Embed consideration of climate change into the development of Council’s 2021–25 Council Plan and supporting strategic documents.


Other key supporting documents that will be the initial focus of embedding consideration of climate change impacts and risks include:

• Corporate Risk Register• Long Term Financial Strategy• Asset Management Plan• Local Economic and Employment Development Strategy• Access, Diversity and Equity Policy


Design

All relevant Council Plans, Strategies and Policies to be updated with reference to climate change by FY 2024/25


1.2.3 – Work with key stakeholders to participate in collaborative mitigation and adaptation opportunities across the municipality and region.

A

Advocacy by Greater Dandenong City Council calling for the State and Federal governments to:

i. Declare a Climate and Ecological Emergency

ii. Develop programs to drive emergency action to reduce greenhouse gases and meet the lower target of the Paris Agreement to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees

iii. Establish a National Climate Response Plan that involves the three levels of government mitigating climate-caused risks based on climate science evidence.

Advocacy Short Executive and Councillors

Significantly lowered risk profile for Council and the community Within existing

operational budgets

THEME 1



B

Advocacy by Greater Dandenong City Council calling for the State government to increase:

• Clarity on local governments roles and responsibilities.• Capacity of local governments to carry out their responsibilities• Clarity on potential legal liabilities faced by local government

and processes to manage these liabilities.

Advocacy Short Executive and Councillors

Significantly lowered risk profile for Council and the community


C

Council to work collaboratively with key partners and stakeholders to support and help facilitate regional and local responses that increase our resilience to climate change. For example:

• South East Melbourne (SEM) – whose priorities include creating the infrastructure needed for a connected community.

• Monash National Employment and Innovation Cluster – which has a focus on transforming the regions transport network and developing public open space and community infrastructure.

• Dandenong Integrated Water Management Forum – which has been established to identify, prioritise and implement collaborative integrated water management opportunities across the Dandenong Creek catchment.

• Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) – whose priorities include supporting Councils in understanding and preparing for the risks of climate change.

Advocacy


Ongoing Relevant Departments

Significantly lowered risk profile for Council and the community


D

Continue to increase Council’s capacity to respond to the Climate and Ecological Emergency through participation in regional local government forums that provide opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and collaboration on activities and programs.

This includes Council’s continued participation in local government forums such as SECCCA, CASBE, Cities for Power Partnership, Climate Emergency Australia and other forums where appropriate.

Advocacy



Increased responsive capacity of Council through shared learnings and ability to participate in collaborative projects beyond the scale of an individual council

Funding subject to annual CIP and operational budgets being approved as part of Council's annual budget.

EAdvocate to key partners and stakeholders for support to enable local businesses to participate in a regional Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to reduce energy costs and significant reductions in carbon emissions.

Advocacy


Funding and Grants

Short

Planning and Design / Business, Engineering and Major Projects

Advocacy seeking support to facilitate the ability of local businesses to participate in a PPA




Actions Council’s Role Timeframe Responsibility Outcome / Indicator Resources

2.1.1 – Increasing awareness within Council of the risks to health and wellbeing associated with climate change

A

Support Council’s response to the Climate and Ecological Emergency by increasing organisational adaptive capacity and staff awareness to facilitate actions that help reduce climate change’s impacts on the health and wellbeing of our community.

This includes increasing awareness within Council that policies and initiatives across areas such as transport, roads, parks, urban forests, biodiversity, waste, land use, housing and urban planning, recreation, and creating safe public places can lead to improved health outcomes, as well as reduce emissions and support adaptation actions.

To assist this process, a schedule of climate change impact awareness and training programs for management and staff will be developed annually. The focus is to increase the organisation’s adaptative capacity.

Education and Engagement Ongoing

Council’s internal Sustainability

Advisory Group

Community Services



B

Inclusion of roles and responsibilities in position descriptions that facilitate internal champions and accountability for Council’s response to the climate and ecological emergency through its community health, well-being, and emergency management related actions.

Planning and

Decision MakingImmediate Community

ServicesUpdated position descriptions for all staff



2.1 – Council’s services supporting the community to remain resilient under a range of climate scenarios.Target: Assessment of the vulnerability to climate change of key health and emergency management services provided by Council to its community.Measure: Vulnerability Assessments undertakenBaseline: Baseline to be established through vulnerability assessments

THEME 2

Theme 2. Community Wellbeing and CultureGoal: An engaged and mobilised community responding to the climate emergency




CReview the climate change risks relevant to health, well-being, and emergency management as part of the review of Council’s Risk Register. This includes assigning identified risks to responsible risk owners.

Planning and Decision Making Immediate Corporate

Services

Climate Change embedded into council’s corporate risk register by June 2021


2.1.2 – Enhancing the capability and capacity of Council’s services to respond to climate change’s impacts on the community’s health and wellbeing.

A

Embedding consideration of climate change into the development of Council’s 2021–25 Council Plan.


The Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019–2023 recognises that climate change is a leading threat to health and wellbeing and tackling climate change and its impact on health is included as one of four key focus areas in the plan.

Policy and Strategy

DevelopmentShort

Corporate Services

Community Services

Climate Change emphasised as a key priority in the next Council Plan (2021–25)


B

Incorporate community health and well-being as part of the vulnerability assessments to climate change to increase understanding of physical and financial impacts to Council’s assets and service delivery.

A pilot project assessing the vulnerability of Council’s open space assets and services will be undertaken as part of SECCCA’s Vulnerability Assessment Project.

This pilot project will inform further vulnerability assessments of Council’s assets and services to commence in 2021.

Planning and

Decision MakingShort – Medium

Community Services

Vulnerability assessments of key community services to commence in 2020/21

$25k from 2019/20 budget

Funding subject to annual operational budgets being approved as part of Council's annual budget

C

Assess Council’s adaptive capacity to respond to the impacts of the climate emergency on community health, well-being, and emergency management actions.

Take advantage of opportunities to increase resilience in these above areas.

Planning and Decision Making Short Community

Services

Review of the adaptative capacity as part of vulnerability assessments


COMMUNITY WELLBEING AND CULTURE



D Assess and plan for the implementation of prioritised actions based on the outcomes of the vulnerability assessments.

Planning and

Decision MakingMedium Community

Services

Prioritisation of actions from vulnerability assessments as part of broader decision-making approach


E

Continue Council’s participation in the project to further develop How Well Are We Adapting, a web-based climate change adaptation monitoring, evaluation and reporting tool for Victorian local governments.

Through an internal reporting section, the tool has been developed to help local government staff track the impacts on Council services and assets and evaluate responses over the long term to understand how well they are adapting to climate change. One of the focus areas for the tool is monitoring and reporting Council’s approach to Community Wellbeing and Emergency Management.

Planning and

Decision MakingOngoing

Planning and Design

Community Services

Use of How Well Are We Adapting to monitor, evaluate and report how Council is adapting to climate change

$5,000 for 2020/21

2.1.3 – Enhancing Council’s emergency management capability and capacity to increase community resilience to climate change impacts.

AReview the climate change risks relevant to Council’s emergency management as part of the review of Council’s Risk Register. This includes assigning identified risks to responsible risk owners.


Services

Climate change embedded into Council’s revised Corporate Risk Register by June 2021


BAssess emergency management as part of the vulnerability assessments to climate change to increase understanding of physical and financial impacts to Council’s assets and service delivery.

Planning and

Decision MakingShort – Medium

Corporate Services

Vulnerability assessments of key assets and services to commence in 2020/21

$25,000 from 2019/20 budget

Funding subject to annual operational budgets being approved as part of Council's annual budget.

CAssess Council’s adaptive capacity to respond to the climate and ecological emergency’s impacts to community health and well-being and emergency management related actions and to take advantage of opportunities to increase resilience.


Short – Medium

Corporate Services



THEME 2

https://adapt.waga.com.au/About



D Assess and plan for the implementation of prioritised actions based on the outcomes of the vulnerability assessments.

Planning and

Decision MakingMedium Corporate

Services


Funding subject to annual CIP and operational budgets being approved as part of Council's annual budget

E

Embed consideration of climate change risks into Council’s risk and emergency management system and processes to strengthen preparation for more frequent and severe emergency weather events.

Documents to be reviewed and updated include:

• Risk Management Strategy 2014-18• Risk Management Policy 2015• Risk Management Procedures 2015• Community Safety Plan 2015–22• Fire Management Plan 2015-17• CGD Heatwave Subplan 2016• OH&S Policy – Extreme Weather Guidelines 2016• Municipal Emergency Management Plan 2018• Occupational Health and Safety Policy• Overarching Business Continuity Plan

Policy and Strategy

DevelopmentShort Corporate

Services

Climate change embedded into update of 2018 Municipal Emergency Management Strategy

Emergency management plans reviewed and updated to include consideration of climate change






2.2.1 – Increased community awareness of risks to health and wellbeing from climate change and their ability to manage these risks.

AContinue to implement Council's existing programs and activities that aim to increase community awareness of climate change impacts to health and wellbeing, and opportunities to reduce these risks.

Education and Awareness Ongoing Community

Services

Environmental Events and activities

Information promoted through Council’s website, social media platforms and other publications


B

Assess current activities and new opportunities to inform and work with the community to increase awareness of climate change impacts to health and wellbeing and opportunities to reduce these risks in response to the climate and ecological emergency.

This includes opportunities to encourage and support:

• Community understanding by providing solution-based engagement and education activities

• Preparation for the increased severity and frequency of climate related emergencies

• Its diverse multicultural communities’ actions to reduce emissions and build resilience


Design

Development of Climate Change Community Engagement and Mobilisation Plan in 2020–21


C

Continue to collaborate with Councils on the development of How Well Are We Adapting, a web-based climate change adaptation monitoring, evaluation and reporting tool for Victorian local governments.

For residents of participating municipalities, the tool is designed to raise awareness of local climate change impacts and how to address them.

Education and Engagement Ongoing Planning and

Design

Continued development of the How Well Are We Adapting tool for Council and the community

$5,000 for 2020/21

2.2 – An engaged and mobilised community responding to the climate emergency.Target: A reduction in the vulnerability of our community to the impacts of climate change. Measure: Climate Vulnerability Index Assessment (Baseline to be established 2020–21)


THEME 2





DContinue to support the effort of partners and key stakeholders’ increase awareness and other activities that assist the community to prepare and manage health and wellbeing impacts from climate change.

Education and Engagement Ongoing Community

Services



2.2.2 – Support that helps to facilitate a prepared and resilient community managing their climate change risks.

A

Undertake community consultation to better understand how prepared our community feel they are for significant weather events, and what changes they have implemented to cope with climate change.

Consultation findings will provide an evidence base for the planning of future Council programs and activities focussed on facilitating a prepared and resilient community managing their climate change risks.


DesignReport outlining key findings from consultation


B

Continue to provide support through Council’s Community Grants Programs for community events, capacity building activities or programs focussed on environmental sustainability outcomes that:

• Contribute to Council’s vision and strategic priorities• Enhance community capacity in responding to local needs• Increase community collaboration, partnerships and

intercultural connections• Contribute to improvement of community safety, health and

wellbeing• Have the best sustainable outcomes for the local community.

Funding and Grants


Ongoing Community Services

No. and value of grants provided through the Community Grants Programs that include a focus on environmental sustainability outcomes


C

The Greater Dandenong Sustainability Advisory Committee will support Council’s response to climate change by providing input, guidance and support:

• on the implementation of the key community priorities and community objectives of the Climate Change Strategy

• communication, engagement and consultation by Council with the local community on relevant climate change matters

• on the evaluation and review of the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan

Advocacy



Regular scheduled meetings with the Sustainability Advisory Committee





D

Continue to work collaboratively with our partners and key stakeholders to find effective ways to inform and engage the community to build their adaptive capacity and resilience to the climate emergency.

This is to include actions such as:

• Continue working with partners (including ENLIVEN, The Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation and the Southern Migrant Resource Centre) to implement Stage 2 of the Hot Spots project, through health promotion activities focused on community members who are vulnerable on days of extreme heat, including newly arrived migrants, older people and parents with babies and young children.

• Continued participation in Operation Emergency Ready, an emergency preparedness campaign organised by Greater Dandenong in partnership with Kingston Council, Frankston Council and Mornington Peninsula Shire to educate the community and ensure they are emergency ready.

Education and Engagement Immediate Community

Services

Programs and activities undertaken with partners



E

Climate change is a topic of concern for young people as they will be the most impacted as the effects of climate change become more pronounced over time. Council will provide forums to enable our youth to get involved and take positive steps through its programs that:

• Support our youth to participate in civic and community activities which enhance leadership and personal development

• Publicise and positively profile our youth and their valuable contributions to the community, through online social media platforms and print media

• Facilitate opportunities for our youth to engage in community consultation.


ServicesPrograms and activities undertaken to support youth


FContinue to work collaboratively with our regional partners such as ENLIVEN and SECCCA to support capacity building programs targeting key community sectors to reduce the health and safety impacts of climate change.

Advocacy






THEME 2

https://greaterdandenong.com/news/2405/be-emergency-ready-this-summer,



2.2.3 – Support that facilitates accessible and equitable climate responses for our community

AWork with the local members of the community, community groups and health care providers to increase awareness of transport options amongst elderly members of our community and help to address barriers to access.

Education and Engagement Short Community

Services

A part time Community Transport Officer employed in 2020–21

$42,000 in 2020/21 budget

B

To help understand and address the impacts of climate change on the vulnerable members of our community and ensure fair and equitable benefits from climate change responses, Council will seek to both inform and receive input from its advisory and reference committees, including:• Multicultural Leaders Network• Disability Advisory Committee• Positive Ageing Advisory Committee• Sustainability Advisory Committee• Community Safety Advisory Committee.The input we will be seeking includes:• Advice to inform decision making• Involvement in planning community engagement • Testing engagement techniques to improve community

engagement outcomes • Assisting communication between Council and the community

Advocacy




Participation in design and implementation of Community Engagement Plan

Identification of specific actions aimed at reducing inequality and maximising benefits for vulnerable members of our community


C

Work with key stakeholders and local community service providers to facilitate increased community awareness of existing programs that:

• Support disadvantaged households in reducing their exposure to climate risks, and minimising utility usage and costs

• Assist residents’ equitable access to energy

Advocacy



Activities undertaken with key stakeholders such as

the Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria and local community organisations


D Continue to provide support to individual local vulnerable households to manage potential climate impacts and risks.


Services

Activities provided by Council’s Community Care services that support vulnerable older people and people with disabilities to maintain and enhance their quality of life while responding to climate change impacts





2.2.5 – Advocacy that helps address our community’s climate change related health and safety needs and priorities.

AAdvocate to the Australian and Victorian governments for measures that provide equitable protection for vulnerable groups as part of their policies to provide stable, low cost emission reductions through the energy sector.

Advocacy Ongoing Community Services Advocacy activities undertaken Within anticipated

operational budget

B

Advocate for increased clarity from the Victorian Government on the local government sector’s roles and responsibilities regarding climate change and community health and wellbeing.

Building a shared understanding of the roles and responsibilities of state and local government is a priority action in Victoria's Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2017 – 2020.

Advocacy Immediate Community Services

Greater clarity provided by Victorian Government on role of local government. For example: Updating of Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Planning: Having Regard to Climate Change (2012)


C

Advocate to the Australian and Victorian governments for:

• for increased financial and other forms of support to improve the local government sectors’ capacity to respond to community needs.

• support for Council to assist the more vulnerable sectors of our community

Advocacy Ongoing Community Services

Advocacy with key stakeholders

Funding and grants receivedWithin existing operational budgets

THEME 2



3.1.1 – Increased awareness within Council of the impacts to local businesses of climate change, the transition to a net zero carbon emissions economy and the need to manage exposure to risks.

A

Support Council’s response to the Climate and Ecological Emergency by increasing staff awareness and organisational adaptive capacity to facilitate actions that assist local businesses in preparing for the transition to a zero carbon economy and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change to maintain their viability.

To assist this process, a schedule of climate change impact awareness and training programs for management and staff will be developed annually. The focus is to increase the organisation’s adaptative capacity.



Advisory Group

Business, Engineering and Major Projects



B

Inclusion of roles and responsibilities in position descriptions that facilitate internal champions and accountability for Council’s response to the Climate and Ecological Emergency through its actions related to local business and economic development.

Planning and

Decision MakingImmediate





3.1 – Council’s services supporting the local economy to remain resilient under a range of climate scenariosTarget: Achieve a net zero carbon emissions

local economy by 2040.

Measure: Reduction of 2,442,000 tCO2e by 2025.

Target: Increase Council’s sustainable procurement through embedded consideration of climate change in Council’s Capital Improvement Project bid submissions and tender weightings. (Baseline to be developed.)

Measure: Metric to be developed by 2022

Theme 3. Business and EconomyGoal: A city with a thriving and resilient net zero carbon emissions economy.

THEME 3




C

Impacts to the local business sector and economic development will be included as part of Council’s overall program to assess the vulnerability of Council’s key assets and services to increase understanding of physical and financial impacts of climate change to Council’s assets and service delivery.


Corporate Services and Community

Services

Climate change vulnerability assessments undertaken across Council’s key assets and services.

Initial pilot project commencing in 2020/21 will inform rollout of the program more broadly across Council’s operations.

$25,000 from 2019/20 budget to undertake initial pilot project


D

Review the risks relevant to local businesses and economic development as part of the review of Council’s Risk Register. This includes assigning identified risks to responsible risk owners.

Planning and Decision Making Immediate Corporate Services

Climate change embedded into Council’s corporate risk register by June 2021


3.1.2 – Council services supporting our local economy and businesses remain resilient as climate change impacts increase.

AAssess Council’s adaptive capacity to respond to the Climate and Ecological Emergency through its programs and activities that provide economic development and support to local businesses.



Advisory Group


Review of Council’s adaptative capacity to commence in 2020/21


B

Prioritisation of potential actions identified through the vulnerability and capacity assessments to ensure Council focuses on implementation of the most effective mitigation and adaptation measures identified to support the local economy.

Options will be assessed against agreed criteria, including consideration of Council’s levers of control, capacity and resources required.


Short to Medium


Advisory Group


Identification of the most effective mitigation and adaptation measures for implementation identified through the vulnerability assessments


THEME 3



CWork in partnership with education institutions, training providers, social enterprises and other businesses to help provide residents with skills for an innovative and sustainable future.


Short to Medium


Community Services

Updated Economic and Employment Strategy by 2021 to include focus increasing training opportunities

Activities and programs undertaken


3.1.3 – Council’s purchasing power supports sustainable local businesses.

A

Continue to implement the objective of Council’s Procurement Policy to influence sustainability outcomes by actively promoting green procurement throughout its supply chain and supporting local businesses wherever possible.

Develop processes and metrics to enable monitoring and reporting of Council’s:

• Total sustainable procurement

• Sustainable procurement from local businesses

Planning and Decision Making Ongoing Corporate Services

Processes and metrics developed by 2022 to enable monitoring and reporting of sustainability outcomes from Council’s Procurement Policy

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY




3.2.1 – Increased business awareness of climate change risks, opportunities and the transition to a net zero carbon emissions economy.

A

Include consideration of local businesses in the development of the Community Engagement and Mobilisation Plan. This plan will guide Council’s approach to increasing community awareness and action in response to the Climate and Ecological Emergency.

The focus of the Engagement and Mobilisation Plan for local business and industry in Greater Dandenong will be to:

• Increase awareness of information on how business can prepare for the future impacts of climate change, and access resources

• Target approaches that directly increase awareness and engagement through existing programs, networks, events and other forums

• Identify and address the needs and priorities of the business community.


City Planning, Design and

Amenity


A Community Climate Change Engagement and Mobilisation Plan adopted by 2021/22

Engagement activities undertaken with local business

Increased understanding of local businesses views, needs and priorities regarding climate change


THEME 3

3.2 – Engaged local business and industry taking action to increase resilience and transition to a net zero carbon economy.Target: Maintain the business rate base at

a higher proportion than that from residential properties (54.5% 2020–21)

Measure: CGD Annual Budget

Target: Increase the percentage of Greater Dandenong residents employed locally (20% in 2020)

Measure: ABS Census data

Target: Maintain Greater Dandenong’s role as an employment hub in the region (26.9% of people working in Melbourne’s South)





B

Facilitate a series of business and industry roundtable forums to share the latest advice regarding the impacts of climate change on CGD’s local economy, with a focus on:

• Maintaining viability• Compliance and risk management• Opportunities to expand products and services.Leverage the roundtable forums to assist business to:

• identify new processes, products and services• assist in strengthening Council’s capacity to respond to climate

change impacts

The above actions will both enhance Council’s overall sustainability profile and build the economic viability of local business and industry.

Education and Engagement Short


Increased understanding of local businesses views, needs and priorities regarding climate change

Development of new businesses, new products and new services in the Climate and sustainability space


C

Council’s South East Business Networks and Economic Development Unit will identify and implement measures through its existing forums targeted at increasing local business awareness of climate change impacts, and actions that can be taken to increase resilience and to take advantage of potential opportunities.





D

Seek opportunities to expand current programs and activities with partners and key stakeholders that aim to:

• Provide information that supports local businesses to prepare for and manage their risks from climate change

• Find effective ways to engage local businesses to build adaptive capacity and resilience

• Support local businesses in the transition to a zero carbon economy

• Support businesses to take advantage of potential opportunities resulting from expanding market demand for adaptation and carbon-reducing technology, products and services for use across a variety of industries.

• Recognise and celebrate local businesses responding to climate change, to help facilitate peer-to-peer learnings and a shared community of practice.



Significantly lowered risk profile for local businesses






3.2.2 – Support that facilitates action by local businesses to reduce their carbon emissions and increase their resilience to climate change impacts.

ASupport businesses response to climate change through implementation of relevant actions in the Greater Dandenong Local Economic and Employment Development Strategy.

Advocacy



OngoingBusiness,

Engineering and Major Projects

Updated Economic and Employment Strategy by 2021 to include focus on responding to climate change risks and impacts


BContinue working with the Sustainable Australia Fund to support local businesses transition to the zero carbon economy through provision of Environmental Upgrade Agreements (EUAs).


Funding and Grants

Ongoing


Amenity


Increased promotion of EUAs to local businesses

Uptake of Environmental Upgrade Agreements by local businesses


C

Lead efforts to facilitate uptake of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) by local businesses to reduce their energy costs and carbon emissions. This is to include actions like:

• Working with key stakeholders and local businesses to promote benefits and generate interest

• Analysing potential local energy demand and opportunities for participation in a PPA

• Investigating barriers limiting local businesses uptake of PPAs, and ways to overcome these barriers

• Advocacy to key partners and stakeholders for support to enable participation by local businesses.

Advocacy


Funding and Grants

Short


Amenity


Participation by local businesses in Power Purchasing Agreements


DContinue to inform local businesses of programs and other forms of support available through other agencies to reduce emissions and increase resilience.

Funding and Grants


OngoingBusiness,


Information on Council’s website, in publications etc


THEME 3



E Provision of Business Grants that support environmental outcomes.

Funding and Grants Ongoing


No. and value of grants provided through the Business Grants program that include a focus on environmental sustainability outcomes


FAdvocate to the Federal and State governments for increased support to improve Council’s capacity to respond to local business needs.

Advocacy OngoingBusiness,


Advocacy activities undertaken Within anticipated operational budgets

G

Lead advocacy efforts with our regional partners in seeking increased Federal and State Government support to meet the needs and priorities of local businesses to respond to climate change, including:

• Increase awareness of climate change impacts and associated risks

• Increased information and guidance• Research into potential opportunities• Transitioning to a net zero carbon emissions economy.



Advocacy activities undertaken Within anticipated operational budgets

HWork in partnership to support and encourage the establishment, location or expansion of suitable green businesses within Greater Dandenong.



Updated Economic and Employment Strategy by 2021 to include focus on attracting green businesses





Actions Council’s Role Timeframe Responsible Council Unit Outcome / Indicator Resources

4.1.1 – Increased awareness and uptake of energy efficiency and renewable energy within Council, to transition to a net zero carbon emissions future.

A

Support Council’s response to the Climate and Ecological Emergency by increasing staff awareness and organisational adaptive capacity to achieve a city of energy efficient buildings powered by clean energy.

Staff awareness and training activities will focus on:

• Increasing internal awareness of Council’s greenhouse gas emissions and energy goals, and establishing the expectation that everyone has a role to play

• Specific capacity building training for staff, such as building managers, maintenance staff and project managers



Advisory Group


Develop an annual program of staff training and awareness activities


THEME 4


4.1 – Reducing Council’s carbon emissions through efficient use of clean renewable energy.Target: Net zero carbon emissions

from Council’s buildings and streetlights by 2025

Measure: 2007/08 – 14,688t CO2e

Target: 20% reduction in energy use from Council’s buildings by 2025

Baseline: 2007/08 – 6,344 MWhMeasure: Council’s installed

solar capacity

Target: Increase the capacity of solar systems in Council buildings to 1mW by 2025

Baseline: 129 kW in 2019Measure: Council’s installed

solar capacity

Target: All Council’s street and park lights to use energy efficient lighting by 2027.

Baseline: 7,500 (52%) of 14,500 lights energy efficient – 2020

Measure: % lighting energy efficient

Theme 4. Energy and BuildingsGoal: A City of energy efficient buildings powered by clean energy.




BInclusion of roles and responsibilities in position descriptions that facilitate internal champions and accountability for Council’s response to the climate and ecological emergency through its energy use, design and operation of buildings.


Building, Engineering and Major Projects

Updated position descriptions for all staff to specifically reference expected behaviours and contributions to council’s net zero carbon emissions plan


D

Undertake assessments of the vulnerability of Council’s key assets and infrastructure to climate change, to increase understanding of physical and financial impacts as well as impacts on service delivery.

A pilot project to assess the vulnerability of Council’s open space assets and service delivery will be undertaken in 2020/21 as part of SECCCA’s Vulnerability Assessment Project ‘Assessing Climate Change Impacts – Council Assets, Services, Expenditure and Income’.

This pilot project will inform the rollout of further vulnerability assessments of Council’s assets and services, including consideration of energy usage and buildings.



Vulnerability assessments of key assets to commence in 2020/21



EAssess Council’s asset management adaptive capacity to reduce risks from the impacts of climate change and increase resilience.

Planning and Decision making Immediate



Funding requirements to be determined from Vulnerability Assessment pilot project

FReview the risks relevant to Council’s buildings and energy use as part of the review of Council’s Risk Register. This includes assigning identified risks to responsible risk owners to increase accountability.


Services

Council’s Risk Management Procedures updated



ENERGY AND BUILDING



4.1.2 – All new Council buildings energy use designed to be net zero carbon emissions from 2020

AAll new Council buildings (from 2020 onwards) to be designed, built and maintained to achieve net zero carbon emissions in accordance with Council’s Sustainable Buildings Policy (as revised from time to time).


Regulatory

OngoingBusiness,


All new Council buildings to be designed, built and maintained to achieve net zero carbon emissions from 2020

Within anticipated Capital Works budget (between 5% to 10% marginal cost depending on ESD standard, with payback via ongoing operational saving on utilities)

BUndertake energy performance assessments of new Council buildings to ensure operational performance meets design intent.



Performance assessments of new buildings constructed from 2020 using NABERS or equivalent


4.1.3 – All energy use by existing Council buildings to be net zero carbon emissions by 2025.

A

Undertake performance assessments of Council’s existing buildings to:

• Ensure operational performance meets design intent• Enable benchmarking of building performance• Inform scope of building refurbishments • Guide selection of future energy audits / funding bids to

increase energy efficiency



Planning and Design

NABERS assessments (or equivalent for non-office buildings) to be undertaken of all key Council buildings by 2025


BAll applicable refurbishments of Council’s existing buildings to be designed and built in accordance with Council’s Sustainable Buildings Policy requirements.



All moderate and major Council building refurbishments to be designed and built to achieve net zero carbon emissions

Within anticipated Capital Works budget (between 5% to 10% marginal cost depending on ESD standard, with payback via ongoing operational saving on utilities).


THEME 4



CImplement Council’s Building Energy Management Plan (as revised from time to time) to reduce existing buildings’ energy usage and increase uptake of renewable energy.

Asset Planning and Improvement


OngoingBuilding,


No. of existing building projects completed per year

BEMP updated by 2022


D

Embed climate change risk management into the review and update of Council’s 2015–22 Asset Management Strategy and 2015 Asset Management Plan – Buildings and Facilities.

(Please refer to Asset, Infrastructure and Land Use Planning Action Plan 7.1.3 for further details).


Strategy and Policy

Development

ImmediateBuilding,


Climate change embedded into updated 2022 Asset Management Strategy


EReduce Council’s energy usage and costs through an increased focus on optimising Council's buildings, fixtures, appliances, and control systems to the most energy efficient available with real-time (IOT-based) monitoring capabilities.



Annual program to optimise building energy usage

Funding subject to annual CIP budgets being approved as part of Council's annual budget

FConsider mechanisms such as Energy Performance Contracts to reduce Council’s energy use and GHG emissions.

Strategy and Policy

DevelopmentMedium


Mechanisms to reduce energy use and GHG emissions included as part of project business case/feasibility


GInvestigate and trial new and innovative energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies on council building projects to help accelerate market adoption.



Trials incorporating new technology or concept

Publication of Project Case Study

Funding subject to annual CIP, operational budgets and external funds as part of Council's annual budget

HInvestigate opportunities to expand Council’s current monitoring and reporting of GHG emissions to include all Council owned buildings. As of 2020, only monitoring those utility accounts Council is directly responsible for paying.


Services

Council’s GHG emissions reporting expanded to include all Council owned buildings from 2021 onward


ENERGY AND BUILDING



4.1.4 – All Council’s electricity usage from clean renewable sources by 2025.

A

Utilise Power Purchasing Agreements (PPA) to reduce GHG emissions from Council’s streetlights and buildings*.

Additionally, investigate opportunities to source electricity for all buildings owned by Council from 100% renewable sources through a Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA), where Council is not responsible for the payment of the relevant utility account. *Where Council is responsible for payment of utility account


Services

PPA resulting in Council’s purchase of electricity from 100% renewable sources for all Council owned building

Council’s electricity costs are anticipated to be lowered through participation in PPA

B

Council will help support the transition to a secure and reliable energy grid with a high share of renewables by demonstrating the effective use of distributed energy resources. This includes:

• Increasing Council’s on-site generation of renewable energy through installation of solar panels in accordance with the Sustainable Buildings Policy and Building Energy Management Plan

• Utilising on-site energy storage systems. To build Council’s capacity to facilitate a broader rollout when more economically viable, a pilot trial of energy storage will be undertaken to:• maximise benefits from installed solar systems• provide reliability of supply during power outage• building staff capacity• help prepare Council’s future uptake of Virtual Power

Networks



Implementation of Sustainable Buildings Policy and Building Energy Management Plan

Pilot on-site energy storage project scope prepared for 2021/2022 budget bid


CMonitor and implement where appropriate mechanisms such as Virtual Power Networks to reduce Council’s GHG emissions.

Strategy and Policy

DevelopmentMedium Corporate

Services

Mechanisms to reduce greenhouse gas emissions included as part of project business case/feasibility


THEME 4



4.1.5 – Transition Council’s energy use away from natural gas.

ACommission feasibility report that investigates the options and timing of an accelerated phase-out of natural gas from existing council facilities.

Planning and Decision Making Medium


Feasibility report completed by 2021


BAll new council buildings and facilities to utilise electricity as their only energy source in accordance with the Sustainable Buildings Policy (SBP).



All new council buildings free of natural gas in accordance with the SBP


CAll upgrades to natural gas appliances and services to existing council buildings and facilities are to be replaced with electrical systems (in accordance with the Sustainable Buildings Policy).



All refurbishments to existing council buildings in accordance with the SBP


4.1.6 – All Council’s street and park lights to use energy efficient lighting technology by 2027.

A Implement the Lighting up Greater Dandenong program to switch all streetlighting to energy efficient lighting technology.



Annual program to achieve 100% energy efficient streetlights by 2027


BContinue to advocate to industry for improved standards and technologies for street lighting that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Advocacy OngoingBuilding,


Advocacy with key stakeholders


C Investigate and apply for grants for the implementation of energy efficient public lighting projects.

Funding and Grant

applicationsOngoing


Funding and grants received


Receipt of grants funding

ENERGY AND BUILDING



4.2.1 – Increased awareness within the community of energy efficiency and renewable energy to facilitate the transition to a net zero carbon emission city.

AContinue to implement Council's existing Environmental Education programs and activities that encourage community action towards sustainable buildings, energy efficiency and renewable energy.


Design

No. of Environmental Events and Activities Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process (SDAPP) Fact Sheets



BContinue to showcase and promote actions taken by leaders in our community that encourage uptake by the broader community of low carbon actions and technologies through Council’s Annual Sustainability Awards Program.


DesignSustainability Awards

Case studiesWithin anticipated operational budgets

C

Continue to provide support through Council’s Community Grants Programs for community events, capacity building activities or programs focused on environmental sustainability outcomes that:

• Contribute to Council’s vision and strategic priorities• Enhance community capacity in responding to local needs• Increase community collaboration, partnerships and

intercultural connections• Contribute to improvement of community safety, health

and wellbeing


Services

No. and value of grants provided through the Community Grants program that include a focus on environmental sustainability outcomes



4.2 – A reduction in the community’s carbon emissions through efficient use of clean renewable energy.Target: Net zero carbon emissions from the

municipality’s buildings by 2040.Baseline: 3,083,000t CO2e (Stationary emissions,

CPG Basic reporting 2016/17)Measure: Community GHG emissions profile

Target: 100% renewable energy for the City by 2040.Baseline: Scope 2 emission factors for consumption of

purchased electricity in Victoria: 1.02 in 2019Measure: National Greenhouse Account Factors

Target: Triple small scale onsite renewable energy generation capacity for the City by 2025.

Baseline: 11,979 kW (2013)Measure: Community’s solar kW capacity


THEME 4



D

Assess existing activities and new opportunities to partner with the community to increase awareness through education and solution-based activities to trigger community mobilisation and action on the urgent need to transition to a net zero carbon emissions city, in response to the climate and ecological emergency.

Education and Engagement Short Planning and

Design

Development of Climate Change Community Engagement and Mobilisation Plan in 2020/21


ESupport the Victorian Government’s actions to drive the transition to a net zero carbon emissions economy by promoting programs such as TAKE2 that aim to increase community awareness and uptake of transitional measures.

Advocacy



Programs and activities promoted in Council Publications,

No. of businesses and households that have made pledges through TAKE2


F

Work with partners and key stakeholders to facilitate increased awareness and uptake of programs designed to assist households and businesses to increase the energy efficiency and climate change resilience of their buildings.

This includes promoting to local residents and businesses:

• Information and training opportunities • Grant funding opportunities from the Victorian and

Federal governments• Mechanisms such as Environmental Upgrade Agreements

(EUAs) and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

Advocacy


Regulatory



Programs and activities undertaken with partners such as SECCCA, CASBE and Sustainability Victoria

Industry and Community Events

No. of EUAs and PPAs implemented within the community


G

Work with key stakeholders and local community service providers to facilitate increased community awareness of existing programs that:

• Support disadvantaged households in reducing their exposure to climate risks, and minimising utility consumption and associated costs

• Assist residents’ equitable access to energy.

Advocacy



Activities undertaken with key stakeholders such as

the Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria and local community organisations


ENERGY AND BUILDING



4.2.2 – Support that helps the community transition to energy efficient net zero carbon emission buildings by 2040.

A

Continue to facilitate inclusion of key environmental performance considerations through Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) into the planning permit approvals process in order to achieve long term sustainable outcomes for new residential, commercial and industrial buildings.


RegulatoryOngoing Planning and

Design

Implementation of the Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme’s Policy: Clause 22.06 Environmentally Sustainable DevelopmentAll applicable planning applications subject to Sustainability Assessments


B

Work with key stakeholders to help facilitate climate change resilient, zero net carbon emission buildings or equivalent outcomes into Planning Precinct Structure Plans, Development Plans, Park Plans and other relevant masterplans.

Advocacy


Regulatory


Embedding climate change risk management into the development of all applicable Precinct Structure Plans and Development Plans.

Current plans being developed include:Noble Park Activity Centre Structure Plan

Proposed Development Plan – Sandown Racecourse Redevelopment


C

Support collaborative projects that aim to raise the standards of Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) required in new homes, commercial and industrial developments.

Continue supporting Moreland Council’s Towards Zero Carbon in the Planning Scheme project which aims to provide an evidence base for updating ESD requirements in the Planning Schemes Local Planning Policies*.

Complete and provide a background report to Council by August 2020 detailing the options CGD has to participate in ESDV2.0 amendments moving forward. *Please note, any updates to Local Planning Provision requires Ministerial Approval

Advocacy

Regulatory

Strategy and Policy

Development

Immediate Planning and Design

Continued collaboration with other councils through membership of CASBE

Support Moreland Council’s background work to establish options for a potential ESD V2.0 in 2021

Provision of ESDV2.0 background report to Council in August 2020.

$15,000 Funded through 2019/20 Budget

Future funding subject to annual operational budgets being approved as part of Council's annual budget

Approximately $40,000 required to be allocated for planning amendment

THEME 4



DContinue to support partners and key stakeholders’ programs that facilitate the uptake of energy efficiency, renewable energy access and finance for home environment upgrades for residential properties (including low-income households).

Advocacy



Collaboration with the Sustainable Melbourne Fund to expand provision of EUAs to include residential properties

Implementation of relevant programs


E

Continue to investigate and act upon opportunities to work collaboratively with government departments, local governments, universities, energy providers and other stakeholders on projects that can support our residents and businesses in the transition to a net zero emissions economy.

This includes a focus on expanding uptake of existing, well-proven technologies as well as innovative new ideas and products.

Advocacy



No. of partnerships entered

New collaborative project opportunities Council has acted upon



4.2.3 – Support the community to transition to 100% renewable energy sources by 2040.

A

Work with the Sustainable Australia Fund and other key stakeholders to increase uptake in Greater Dandenong of Environmental Upgrade Agreements (EUAs). This program provides finance to support businesses to upgrade their buildings, achieve savings through energy efficiencies and uptake of renewables, as well as addressing the impacts of climate change.

Advocacy



Promotion and engagement activities undertaken

Monitor and report uptake of EUAs


BPromote and advocate to local developers and building owners the rationale and relevant cost savings associated with the transition of energy use from gas to electricity.

Advocacy



All applicable planning applications subject to Sustainability Assessments


ENERGY AND BUILDING



C

Work with electricity and gas distributors and other key stakeholders to improve both availability and accuracy of data required to update the Community Emissions Profile prepared as part of the 2019 Greater Dandenong Greenhouse Gas Emissions Profile and Mitigation Report.

Advocacy


Medium Planning and Design

Improved availability of data to enable annual updates to Community Emissions Profile


D

Identify evidence-based and cost-effective actions that enable Council to facilitate community emissions reductions based on recommendations from the SECCCA Community Climate Action Planning Project. This will increase understanding of realistic opportunities for councils based on potential:

• Abatement opportunities for Councils • Science-derived targets • Market barriers• Stakeholders• Costs, and intervention effectiveness in $/tCO2e • Probability of success

Strategy and Policy

DevelopmentImmediate Planning and

Design

Community Climate Action Planning Project Report, including:

• A plan for regional interventions that Councils will collaborate on

• An outline of individual interventions for each Council

$25,000 funded in 2019/20 for SECCCA Community Climate Action Planning Project

EInvestigate opportunities to community renewable energy projects in Greater Dandenong and the role of council to support and reduce barriers.

Planning and Decision Making Medium Planning and

Design

Collaboration undertaken through membership of SECCCA and Industry Partners


F

Investigate opportunities for Greater Dandenong Council to facilitate increased uptake of distributed energy resources across the municipality. Areas for consideration include:

• Support for local residents, businesses, community groups and service providers

• Uptake of large-scale renewable systems within the municipality

• Reducing barriers • Use of mechanisms available such as the Community

Solar Portal


Design

Development of Greater Dandenong Distributed Energy Resource Plan


THEME 4

https://www.communitysolar.org.au/

https://www.communitysolar.org.au/



4.2.4 – Advocacy that supports the achievement of a net zero carbon city by 2040.

A Advocate for the strengthening of Federal and State Governments’ GHG emissions and clean energy targets. Advocacy Ongoing Planning and

Design

Lower emission factors for consumption of purchased electricity in Victoria

Advocacy undertaken through membership of CASBE, SECCCA and Industry Partners


B Advocate for support to increase community uptake of energy efficiency and clean energy. Advocacy Ongoing Planning and

Design

Advocacy activities undertaken through membership of SECCCA, Cities Power Partnership


C

Advocate for elevated ESD outcomes for new and existing buildings through planning policy, state and national building codes and standards.

This includes advocacy for updates to building regulations to promote carbon neutrality by 2030 in line with best Practice approaches such as the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) Carbon Positive Roadmap.

Advocacy


Design

Advocacy activities undertaken through membership of GBCA, CASBE, SECCCA and other industry partners


D

In collaboration with CASBE and other key stakeholders, continue to advocate to the Victorian Government for a strengthening of the Planning Scheme to facilitate climate resilient, zero net carbon emission buildings or equivalent outcomes through both Victorian Planning Provisions and Local Planning Policies

Advocacy


Design

Continued advocacy in collaboration with other councils through membership of CASBE for strengthening of climate change resilience and ESD in Victorian Planning Provisions and Local Planning Policies


ENERGY AND BUILDING



5.1.1 – Increasing awareness within Council of the impacts of climate change and the benefits of local biodiversity and a greener cooler environment.

A

Support Council’s response to the Climate and Ecological Emergency by increasing organisational adaptive capacity and staff awareness to facilitate achievement of its goal of increasing its urban forest to help cool our environment.

This is to include the development of a schedule of climate change impact awareness and training program for management and staff. The focus is to increase the organisation’s adaptative capacity.



Advisory Group



B

Assess the vulnerability of Council’s open space assets and services to the impacts of climate change, through a pilot project to undertake a vulnerability assessment of Council’s open space assets and services as part of SECCCA’s Vulnerability Assessment Project – ‘Assessing Climate Change Impacts – Council Assets, Services, Expenditure and Income’.

This pilot project will inform further vulnerability assessments of Council’s assets and services to commence in 2021.


Parks, Infrastructure Services and

Planning

Planning and Design

Vulnerability assessment of Council’s open space assets and services to commence in 2020–21

$25k funded in 2019/20 for SECCCA Vulnerability Assessment Project.


THEME 5


5.1 – Increased canopy cover and carbon storage through Council’s streets and open spaces.Target: Minimum of 2,178 Street trees and 18,000 indigenous seedlings planted

each year.

Measure: Council’s annual Tree and Indigenous Seedling Planting Program.

Target: Establish benchmark of Carbon stored in Council’s trees and reserves to offset its carbon emissions by 2025.

Measure: Tonnes of carbon stored in Council’s street trees and reserves.

Theme 5. Biodiversity and Open SpaceGoal: A city that is cool and green.




CInclusion of roles and responsibilities in position descriptions that facilitate internal champions and accountability for Council’s response to the climate and ecological emergency through its biodiversity and open space related actions.



Planning

People and Procurement



5.1.2 – Increased canopy cover and carbon storage across Council’s streets and open spaces.

A Assess and plan for the implementation of prioritised actions based on the outcomes of the vulnerability assessments.



Planning



BImplementation of Council's Greening Our City – Urban Tree Strategy 2018–28.

The Urban Tree Strategy sets the direction for managing Council’s street and park trees.



Planning

Implementation of Council's Greening Our City – Urban Tree Strategy 2018–28.

$600,000 funded in 2020/21 operational budget to support the Strategy’s Tree Planting Program


C Implementation of relevant actions from Council's Open Space Strategy 2020–2030.


Planning and Design


Planning

Transport and Civil Development

Implementation of Open Space Strategy 2020–2030


DCouncil’s internal Urban Forest Working Group to provide leadership, policy direction, and technical support to facilitate implementation of the Urban Tree Strategy’s Action Plan.



Planning

Planning and Design

Implementation of Urban Forest Working Group’s actions.


BIODIVERSITY AND OPEN SPACE



E Continue to seek external funding grants to increase local biodiversity and the urban forest.

Funding and Grants Ongoing


Planning


Number of projects delivered


FAssess Council’s adaptative capacity to respond to the Climate and Ecological Emergency’s impacts on the local environment and to take advantage of opportunities to green the city.



Planning

Review of the adaptative capacity as part of 2020–21 open space vulnerability assessment pilot project with SECCCA

$25k funded in 2019/20 for SECCCA Vulnerability Assessment Project


GInvestigate and report on available opportunities to utilise Council’s trees and reserves to offset its carbon emissions and draw down carbon.


Planning and Design


Planning

Report prepared on opportunities for offsetting carbon using Council’s trees and reserves by 2022/23

Council trees and reserves used to offset Council emissions by 2025



H

Implementation of the Activity Centres Placemaking Framework to ensure that placemaking and revitalisation of the activity centres is focused on supporting the sustainability of key community destinations and self-sustaining activation of shared spaces.

Activities include:

• Activity Centres Tree Planting Plan, which identifies actions over 10 years to increase canopy cover and reduce urban heat impacts in Greater Dandenong’s Activity Centres.

• Increasing use of tree planter boxes to improve tree canopy coverage where there are high levels of hard surfaces and to increase the biodiversity offer in the activity centres.

Asset Planning and Improvement Immediate

Business and Revitalisation.


Planning


Implementation of Activity Centres Tree Planting Plan

2020–21 funded CIP Projects:

Dandenong $25,000

Noble Park $25,000

Springvale $25,000

Funding for future years is subject to the approval of CIP bids as part of annual Council budget process

THEME 5



I

Identify suitable sites and commence implementation of urban woodlots at Council reserves specifically planted to provide for Council’s carbon offsets and/or future sources of sustainable wood for Council’s asset management and construction activities.



Planning

Suitable sites identified by 2021/22

Minimum of 1 new woodlot created every second year

Funding for future years is subject to the approval of CIP bids as part of annual Council budget process.

J Work in collaboration with partners to facilitate implementation of the Living Melbourne Urban Forest Project.

Advocacy


Ongoing

Planning and Design


Planning

Ongoing participation as a partner in the Living Melbourne Urban Forest Project


5.1.3 – Increased use of water sensitive urban design used to support resilience of biodiversity and green spaces on Council land

AImplement the Waste Sensitive Urban Design requirements of Council's Sustainable Buildings Policy design requirements (as updated from time to time).



Implementation of Council’s Sustainable Buildings Policy

Monitoring and reporting to be undertaken in accordance with the Sustainable Buildings Policy


B

Embed consideration of climate change, including responses to direct and indirect impacts, as part of Council’s Capital Improvement Project Bid submissions and evaluation processes. This includes driving technical specifications and tender weightings for procurement purposes.

Policy and Strategy



Capital Improvement Project bids must include consideration of climate change and life cycle costs as part of submission process from 2020/21


CIncrease Integrated Water Management’s contribution to the community’s sense of place, health and well-being by actively promoting the creation of blue green infrastructure.

Advocacy


Ongoing


Planning


Hectares of blue-green infrastructure created or enhanced by integrated water management





DIdentify and implement opportunities to utilise alternative water supplies to provide the irrigation of reserves and tree plantings across the City of Greater Dandenong.



Planning

Percentage of reserves and tree plantings across CGD that are supported by irrigation from an alternative water supply

Identification of projects, with case studies provided of project outcomes


E Seek CIP funding and grants to complete the Tatterson Park and Coomoora Reserve stormwater harvesting projects.


Subject to funding


Planning

No. and dollar value of funding and grants received

Funding for future years is subject to access to grant funds and the approval of CIP bids as part of annual Council budget process

FContinue monitoring changes in ground water and vegetation at Council bushland reserves to monitor long term trends to facilitate evidence-based responses.



Planning

Ongoing implementation of monitoring program


G

Collaborate with Melbourne Water and other key stakeholders on their Water for Greening and Cooling project which is assessing future water demands for Melbourne’s open space network and opportunities for alternative water sources to reduce demand on the city’s drinking water supplies.



Planning

Ongoing collaboration with Melbourne Water and key stakeholders to support completion of Water for Greening and Cooling project

Following completion of Melbourne Water project, Council to consider recommendations for implementation opportunities


Funding for future years is subject to access to grant funds and the approval of CIP bids as part of annual Council budget process

THEME 5



H

Continue to collaborate with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), Melbourne Water (MW) and other key stakeholders through participation in the Dandenong Integrated Water Management Forum.

The long-term goal of the forum is to design and deliver effective solutions to address the combined challenges of population growth, rapid urban development and climate change in this unique region of Victoria.

Advocacy


OngoingParks, Infrastructure

Services and Planning

Ongoing collaboration with DEWLP, MW and other key stakeholders to develop a master plan for the Dandenong Creek corridor



ICollaborate with Melbourne Water (MW) to develop a masterplan to guide the rehabilitation of channelised sections of waterways within the City of Greater Dandenong’s Parks, Reserves and Waterways.



Planning

Ongoing activities in collaboration with MW

Masterplan prepared by MW


5.1.4 – Increased resilience of biodiversity on Council land to climate change impacts

APrepare a Biodiversity Action Plan to enhance quality and extant of local biodiversity and increasing resilience of biodiversity across Greater Dandenong in response to Council’s declaration of a Climate and Ecological Emergency.

Policy and Strategy

DevelopmentShort


Planning

Commence preparation of Biodiversity Action Plan in 2020–21

$50,000 allocated in the 2020–21 Budget


B

Develop a benchmark to monitor impacts of climate change on biodiversity within Council reserves through:

• Continued use of Habitat Hectare assessment as part of the development / review of Council’s bushland reserves management plans to assess the quality and extent of indigenous vegetation within bushland reserves

• Ongoing identification and analysis of additional opportunities to improve biodiversity data collection and management.



Planning

Habitat hectare assessments undertaken to inform bushland reserves management plans





C

Review, update and prepare new Reserve Management Plans to include consideration of opportunities to increase and enhance resilience of Council’s bushland reserves against loss of biodiversity from climate change.

This includes maintenance, experimentation and modification where necessary to maintain or enhance ecological functioning areas of biodiversity.



Planning

Number of Reserve Management Plans prepared or reviewed – one per year

Tatterson Park Management Plan updated in 2020/21


DInvestigate opportunities to improve existing wildlife corridor links and establish new ones where appropriate through the implementation of the Open Space Strategy 2020–2030 and as part of the development of the Biodiversity Action Plan.



Ongoing


Planning

Planning and Design

Asset Management

Governance

Investigate opportunities to improve existing wildlife corridor links and establish new ones where appropriate through the implementation of the Open Space Strategy and the development of the Biodiversity Action Plan in 2020/21

Two wildlife corridor links tree planting projects completed by 2022/23


THEME 5



5.2.1 – Increased awareness within the community of the benefits of local biodiversity and a greener cooler environment.

A Continue to implement Council's existing Environmental Education programs and activities.



Planning

No. of environmental events and activities/year


BIncrease community awareness through education and involvement in ecological improvements in accordance with the Greater Dandenong Green Wedge Action Plan.


Planning and Design


Planning

Implementation of Green Wedge Action Plan


C

As part of the development of Council’s Cooling the City: Urban Forest Strategy, consider engagement and education opportunities to work with the community to increase their awareness and learning of the benefits greener and cooler environments.


Policy and Strategy

Development

Immediate

Planning and Design


Planning

Development of the Cooling the City: Urban Forest Strategy by mid–2021


D Work with Council’s partners to update planning information fact sheets on opportunities to enhance urban ecology.


DesignUpdated SDAPP and BESS Urban Ecology fact sheets




5.2 – A greener, cooler city reducing urban heat island impacts and helping to drawdown carbon levels.Target: 15% by 2028 (Current baseline 9.9%)

Measure: Canopy cover across Greater Dandenong.

Target: Achieve a reduction in the 2018 average summer Urban Heat Island reading of 9.26oC by 2028

Measure: Urban Heat Island rating for Greater Dandenong.




E

In partnership with RMIT and other stakeholders, seek external funding to undertake a 3-year project to:

• Benchmark community attitudes to trees in Greater Dandenong in comparison with other local government areas.

• Develop and test public participation activities which engage residents with understanding the value of tree planting and urban canopy.

• Develop and test messaging to engage residents with understanding the value of tree planting and urban canopy.

Funding and Grants


Immediate


Planning

Grant funding secured for this 3-year project

Project is subject to receiving grant funding

5.2.2 – Increased awareness within the community of the benefits of urban food production.

AContinue to promote the uptake of urban food production through the demonstration of edible food gardens in Council’s public spaces and reserves.



Planning

Edible food garden displays prepared.


B Council to provide ongoing support for community gardens within Council reserves and local schools.



Planning

2020–21 -establishment of a community garden at Chandler Road Reserve

Ongoing Council support and advocacy

$20k funded in 2020–21 budget to facilitate establishment of a community garden at Chandler Road Reserve


CContinue to implement Council’s environmental education programs focused on increasing community awareness and involvement in urban food production.



Planning

Vegetable gardens displays and tours at Council’s reserves and events


D

Prepare a strategic local policy that guides Council’s support for local food growing activities (such as community gardens and edible food gardens) that aims to help increase the community’s capacity to make healthy and sustainable food choices.

Policy and Strategy

DevelopmentShort Community

DevelopmentLocal Community Gardens Policy completed in 2020/21

$20K allocated in 2020–21 operational budget

THEME 5



EContinue to work collaboratively with partners to deliver urban food production projects focused on increasing community awareness and participation.



Planning

Community Development


Estimated area (acres) of urban food production

Initial project work completed at Chandler Road Community garden.


F

Implementation of relevant actions from the Greater Dandenong Green Wedge Management Plan (Revised 2017), in particular:

• Actively encouraging the establishment of niche and specialised agricultural activities in the Greater Dandenong Green Wedge, particularly those supporting food security.

• Providing advice and assistance to landowners to maintain and improve land management practices including options for food production.


Design

Implementation of the Greater Dandenong Green Wedge Management Plan (Revised 2017)


5.2.3 – Increased use of greenery and integrated water management to provide cooling effects to create a more liveable urban environment and drawdown carbon levels.

A

Collaborate with key stakeholders and partners to:

• Source access to the most accurate and up to date tree canopy and Urban Heat Island data for Greater Dandenong

• Identify and implement actions to increase canopy cover and reduce impacts of urban heat island effect.

Advocacy


Ongoing

Planning and Design


Planning

Access to regularly updated detailed Tree Canopy and Urban Heat Island data for Greater Dandenong


B Implement the Greater Dandenong Green Wedge Management Plan’s integrated water management actions.


Infrastructure Services and

Planning

Implementation of Green Wedge Management Action Plan

Implementation of Green Wedge Management Plan’ subject to annual CIP and operational budgets being approved as part of Council's annual budget




C

Prepare Cooling the City: Urban Forest Strategy to protect and increase the urban canopy on private land (building on Council’s Greening Our City – Urban Tree Strategy 2018–28).

This will enable Council to provide a strategic approach to protecting and enhancing vegetation across the whole of the municipality to increase community health and liveability in the area.

Policy and Strategy


Design

Development of Cooling the City: Urban Forest Strategy by mid–2021


DImplementation of Local Planning Provision Clause 22.06 Environmentally Sustainable Development to achieve benefits including increased urban ecology and integrated water management outcomes.


Design

ESD requirements assessed for all applicable planning applications


EWork with partners to identify opportunities to enhance urban ecology and integrated water management outcomes through the planning process to mitigate the impact of the urban heat island effect.

Policy and Strategy


Design

Support Moreland Council’s background work to establish options for a potential ESD V2.0 in 2021

CGD has contributed $15k in 2020 for background work


F Investigate opportunities for carbon sinks in the Greater Dandenong Green Wedge.


Planning and Design


Planning

Opportunities for carbon sinks investigated by 2024


THEME 5



5.2.4 – Increased resilience of biodiversity across the municipality to impacts of climate change.

APrepare a Biodiversity Action Plan to enhance quality and extant of local biodiversity across Greater Dandenong in response to Council’s declaration of a Climate and Ecological Emergency.

Policy and Strategy



Planning

Commence preparation of Biodiversity Action Plan in 2020–21

$50,000 in 2020–21 budget

BInvestigate opportunities to collaborate with residents to establish an affiliate Gardens for Wildlife program in Greater Dandenong.



Planning

Opportunities to facilitate establishment of Gardens for Wildlife program in Greater Dandenong investigated by 2022


CContinue Council's membership of Living Links, to support a regional approach to increase biodiversity and connection of green spaces across the Dandenong Creek catchment.



Planning

Annual Living Links membership

Grant funding

Habitat connectivity improvements achieved

2020/21 Budget $7,500 for annual membership of Living Links

DContinue Council's participation in regional alliances that facilitate increased consideration and protection of local biodiversity through the planning process.


Design

Participation in CASBE and LGPro SIG Biodiversity Planners Network


EContinue to implement the Planning Scheme’s Green Wedge Vegetation Protection Overlay to protect and enhance the existing ecological values.


Design

No. of Permits issued / refused for native vegetation removal


F Provide information that supports protection and enhancement of the Greater Dandenong Green Wedge's biodiversity values.



Planning

Information on Council’s website and in annual newsletter update to Green Wedge owners and occupiers





5.2.5 – Advocacy that supports conservation of Greater Dandenong’s local biodiversity and transition to a greener, cooler city.

AAdvocate for the State Government to facilitate local green infrastructure in accordance with Plan Melbourne’s Cooling and Greening policies and plans.

Advocacy Ongoing


Planning

Advocacy activities undertaken with key stakeholders


B Advocacy with partners and key stakeholders for increased protection of biodiversity of local significance. Advocacy Ongoing


Planning

Advocacy activities undertaken through the LGPro: Biodiversity Planning Network and Living Links


C

Advocate to the Victorian government and key stakeholders of Council’s and our community’s local priorities through participation in regional forums focussed on:

• Sustainable social infrastructure and open space• Integrated Water Management outcomes.

Advocacy Ongoing


Planning

Advocacy activities undertaken through the Dandenong IWM Forum and National Employment and Innovation Clusters (Monash and Dandenong)


DAdvocacy with partners and key stakeholders to protect existing wildlife corridor links and establish new ones where appropriate.

Asset Planning and Improvement Medium


Planning

Advocacy activities undertaken through Living Links


THEME 5



6.1.1 – Increased awareness within Council of the benefits of active and low carbon transport

A

Support Council’s response to the Climate and Ecological Emergency by increasing organisational adaptive capacity and staff awareness to facilitate achievement of its goal of a well-connected low carbon Greater Dandenong.



Advisory Group



B

Inclusion of roles and responsibilities in position descriptions that facilitate internal champions and accountability for Council’s response to the climate and ecological emergency through its transport related actions.






THEME 6


6.1 – Increasing Council’s use of active and low carbon transport options.Target: 15% decrease in the use of single

occupancy private vehicles as a method of travel to work for Council staff by 2026

Measure: Staff Travel Survey.

Target: Vulnerability to the impact of climate change assessed and incorporated into management plans for all critical Transport related assets and services by 2025

Measure: Asset Management System

Target: Council Fleet 100% low emission vehicles by 2030*

Measure: Council’s fleet’s annual GHG emissions inventory.

* Dependent on availability of suitable low emission vehicles that meet Council’s operational needs.

Theme 6. Transport and Movement Goal: A City well connected through low carbon transport.




6.1.2 – Increased staff usage of active and low carbon transport options

AReview and update Council's Green Travel Plan to support increases in staff usage of active and public transport.

Policy and Strategy

DevelopmentShort



Staff Travel Survey to occur every 4 years


BAll new Council buildings to be designed and built to achieve sustainable transport goals and objectives in accordance with Council’s Sustainable Buildings Policy.



All new Council buildings to be designed and built to be net zero carbon emissions

Within anticipated Capital Works budget (between 5% to 10% marginal cost depending on ESD standard, with payback via ongoing operational saving on utilities).

C

Consideration of transport as part of the embedding of climate change risk management into the review and update of Council’s 2015–22 Asset Management Strategy and 2015 Asset Management Plan – Buildings and Facilities.

Strategy and Policy

DevelopmentMedium


Climate change embedded into updated 2022 Asset Management Strategy and relevant Asset Management Plans


D

Demonstrate a built environment designed to promote the use of walking, cycling and public transport through Council’s Sustainable Buildings Policy and 2015–22 Asset Management Plan – Buildings and Facilities.

Strategy and Policy

DevelopmentMedium


Active and low carbon transport options aligned with CGD’s Sustainable Buildings Policy and embedded into updated 2022 Asset Management Plan – Buildings and Facilities.


THEME 6



6.1.3 – Increased awareness within Council of impacts of climate change on Transport service delivery

AAssess Council’s adaptive capacity to respond to the climate and ecological emergency through transport related actions.




Planning

Review of Council’s adaptative capacity completed by December 2020


B

Include Transport as part of the vulnerability assessments to climate change, to increase understanding of physical and financial impacts to Council’s transport related assets as well as impacts on service delivery.

This pilot project will inform further vulnerability assessments of Council’s transport related assets and physical and financial impacts on service delivery to commence in 2021.




Planning

Vulnerability assessments of Council’s key assets to commence in 2020/21

Impact of climate change on service delivery recognised in asset value by 2022/23

$25,000 funded in 2019/20 for SECCCA Vulnerability Assessment Project.


CApply updated Risk Management Procedures to Council’s Climate Change Risk Assessment that review risks relevant to transport and assign responsible risk owners.


Services

Climate Change embedded into Council’s corporate risk register by June 2021


D

Consider the performance of transport service delivery in terms of greenhouse gas emissions (e.g. are vehicles operating at the speeds at which they are more energy efficient) to increase understanding of the impact of transport on the environment.




Planning

Greenhouse gas emissions recognised as a performance indicator for Council’s Transport assets by 2022/23


TRANSPORT AND MOVEMENT



6.1.4 – A reduction in GHG emissions from Council’s vehicle fleet

AContinue to assess and implement opportunities to increase Council’s use of low emission vehicles. Planning and

Decision Making ShortInfrastructure Services and

Planning

Council's fleet’s annual GHG emissions inventory


B Prepare a Fleet Transition Plan to facilitate Council’s uptake of low emission vehicles.

Asset Planning and Improvement Medium


PlanningFleet Transition Plan

$20,000 allocated in 2020/21 operational budget


C Consider opportunities to influence key contractors’ vehicle emissions through procurement processes.


Corporate Services


Planning

Implementation of CGD’s Procurement Policy


DSupport and promote increased use by staff of information technology (IT) (such as use of video conferencing and webinars) to reduce travel requirements, including working from home.

Education and Engagement Ongoing Corporate

Services

Reduction in Council’s transport related GHG emissions through staff uptake of IT

CGD Staff Travel survey


E

Support and promote elements of Council’s Green Travel Plan that result in increased use by staff of low emission transport during work hours, including:

• Public transport for work in-hours commuting• Car sharing• Active transport options, including use of e-bikes.



CGD Staff Travel Survey $1,000 per annum operational budget

THEME 6



6.2.1 – Increased community awareness of the benefits from use of active and low carbon transport

ASupport local programs that increase active travel by the community through partnerships with VicHealth to support local schools’ participation in the 'Walk to School' and ‘Ride to School’ programs.


Development

No. of schools involved in ‘Walk to School’ and ‘Ride to School’ programs.


BIn association with RoadSafe South East, continue to advocate for and promote programs that promote safe cycling, motorcycling and walking e.g. Bike Education.

Advocacy, Education and Engagement Ongoing Transport and Civil

DevelopmentNo. of schools participating in initiatives


C Increased provision and visibility of Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations and Car Share Services

Infrastructure Planning and Improvement Ongoing Transport and Civil

Development

No. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations and Car Share Pods


D Promote success stories from Green Travel Initiatives undertaken by Council and other businesses.

Education and Engagement Ongoing Transport and Civil

Development

Promotion material developed and distributed.

$1,000 per annum operational budget



6.2 – Increasing community access to and use of active and low carbon transport options.Target: 15% increase in

public transport use within Greater Dandenong by 2030

Measure: Public transport patronage data

Target: 10% reduction in single occupancy private vehicle as method of travel to work by 2028 (compared with 2016 census data)

Measure: ABS Census Data

Target: Double the number of trips to work undertaken by bicycle by 2028 (compared with 2016 census data)


Target: Completion of the Strategic Cycling Corridors by 2030 and upgrade and completion of new path networks through funding from all level of government

Measure: Upgraded networks




6.2.2 – Increased travel by modes other than single occupant private vehicle trips within Greater Dandenong to reduce emissions and build resilience

A Continue to implement the Greater Dandenong Cycling and Walking Strategies.

Advocacy, Education and Engagement


Infrastructure Planning and Improvement

Ongoing



Planning

Community Development

Implementation of Greater Dandenong Walking and Cycling Strategies

Within anticipated operational budgets and CIP bids

BContinue to apply for state and federal government funding for the implementation of road and path infrastructure to address safety concerns, e.g. the Black Spot Program.

Funding and Grants Ongoing Transport and Civil Development

Funding and grants received to implement improvements to road and path safety

No. of projects delivered

Within anticipated operational budgets and grants awarded

C Implement the Active Transport Infrastructure Priority Program improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.


Ongoing



Planning

No. projects delivered that provide improved access for pedestrians and cyclists

$200,000 funded in 2020/21 capital works budget

Funding subject to annual CIP budgets being approved as part of Council's annual budget.

DFacilitate a built environment designed to promote the use of walking, cycling and public transport through Council’s Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) Planning Policy requirements.


Planning and Design


Implementation of Council’s ESD Planning Policy (Clause 22.06)


E Investigate options to improve planning scheme sustainable transport outcomes through development of elevated ESD policy requirements (ESDV2.0).

Policy and Strategy Development Ongoing Planning and

Design

Investigate and finalise ESD Planning Policy V2.0 options


FCollaborate with local governments through CASBE to update BESS and other tools to facilitate increased community use of active travel, public transport and electric vehicles through the planning process.


DesignAdvocacy activities undertaken


THEME 6



GWork with primary and secondary schools to implement infrastructure that promotes safe travel to and from school as pedestrians, cyclists and passengers. (Active Transport Infrastructure Priority Program).


OngoingBuilding,


Implementation of infrastructure projects associated with schools


HIn conjunction with our partners, work towards providing safe, connected and well-serviced public transport options for the community.

Advocacy Ongoing Transport and Civil Development

Advocacy activities undertaken


IAdvocate for additional government investment in improvements to Public Transport services and access to Public Transport Services in accordance with Council’s Public Transport Advocacy Statement.




JDevelop and facilitate the implementation of Multi Modal Transport Infrastructure Plans for areas subject to significant change.

Infrastructure Planning and Improvement Immediate Transport and Civil

Development

Multi Modal Transport Infrastructure Plans completed by 2021.


K Develop a new Integrated Transport Plan for the City of Greater Dandenong.

Planning and Decision Making Medium Transport and Civil

DevelopmentNew Integrated Transport Plan developed by 2023


L

Work with and advocate to external organisations such as the Victorian Government and neighbouring municipalities to reduce barriers to cycling. This includes advocating for:

• Stronger policies, road rules and design guidelines that improve cyclist safety and amenity.

• Routes/paths to be delivered that connect bicycle paths and shared user paths between municipalities.




MContinue regional collaboration through South East Melbourne and the Eastern Transport Coalition's advocacy for sustainable and integrated transport services that reduce car dependency.


Continued participation in groups


NManage Council parking assets in a manner that discourages car use and encourages use of other modes of transport (e.g. setting permit fees at a level that does not discriminate against public transport users)

Planning and Decision Making Ongoing Transport and Civil

Development

Parking management decisions made with consideration given to climate change





6.2.3 – Increased uptake by the Greater Dandenong community of low emission vehicles

A Implement Council's 2019 Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Policy.


DevelopmentNo. of Public Electric Vehicle Charging points


BAdvocate to the Victorian and Federal Governments for policy reform to encourage uptake of low emission vehicles (fuel emission standards, mobility subsidy etc.)

Advocacy Short Planning and Design



CImplement Council's ESD Planning Policy requirements to facilitate use of low emissions vehicle technologies and supporting infrastructure.


Planning and Design


% developments that incorporate infrastructure for low emission vehicles


6.2.4 – Reduced car ownership across the municipality

A Implement Council’s 2019 Public Car Share Policy to support increased community access and use of share cars.


Development

No. of Car Share vehicles available within Greater Dandenong


BPromotion of availability of car share services within Greater Dandenong to the community to increase awareness and use.

Education and Engagement Ongoing Transport and Civil

Development

No. and patronage of Car Share vehicles available within Greater Dandenong


CImplement Council's ESD Planning Policy requirements to facilitate a built environment designed to minimise car dependency.


Planning and Design


Implementation of Council’s ESD Planning Policy (Clause 22.06)


THEME 6



7.1.1 – Increasing awareness within Council of the impacts from climate change on assets, infrastructure and land use development

A Support Council’s response to the Climate and Ecological Emergency by increasing staff awareness and organisational adaptive capacity to deliver infrastructure that supports community resilience to climate change.



Advisory Group



B

Inclusion of roles and responsibilities in position descriptions that facilitate internal champions and accountability for Council’s response to the climate and ecological emergency

to ensure that climate change related risks relevant to assets, infrastructure and land use development are specifically considered and that reasonable precautions are implemented to minimise both impacts to the community and Council’s liability risks.

Planning and Decision

Making Immediate


Planning

Planning and Design



7.1.2 – Increased understanding of the vulnerability of Council’s assets and infrastructure to climate change risks.

A Review the risks relevant to Council’s assets and land use planning as part of the review of Council’s Risk Register. This includes assigning identified risks to responsible risk owners.


Services



THEME 7


7.1 – Reducing risks from climate change impacts to Council’s assets and infrastructure.Target: That all Council’s asset management plans address climate change impacts by 2025.

Measure: % of Council’s Asset Management Plans that include consideration of climate change (Baseline to be established 2020–21)

Theme 7. Assets, Infrastructure and Land Use PlanningGoal: A city with a built environment supporting the community’s resilience to climate change.




B

Undertake assessments of the vulnerability of Council’s key tassets and infrastructure to climate change, to increase understanding of physical and financial impacts as well as impacts on service delivery.

A pilot project to assess the vulnerability of Council’s assets and infrastructure will be undertaken in 2020–21 as part of SECCCA’s Vulnerability Assessment Project ‘Assessing Climate Change Impacts – Council Assets, Services, Expenditure and Income’.

This pilot project will inform the rollout of further vulnerability assessments of Council’s assets and services, including consideration of assets and infrastructure.

Planning and Decision Making Immediate Planning and

Design

SECCCA’s project used as pilot to inform future vulnerability assessments to be undertaken by Council

$25,000 from 2019/20 budget

C Undertake vulnerability assessments of Council’s key assets and infrastructure to climate change, to increase understanding of physical and financial impacts as well as impacts on service delivery.



Planning

Vulnerability assessments of key assets completed by 2022/23


D Assess Council’s asset management adaptive capacity to reduce risks from the impacts of climate change and increase resilience.



Planning



F

Advocate for increased clarity from the Victorian Government on the local government sectors’ roles and responsibilities and potential legal liability and insurance issues associated with Council assets, infrastructure and land use planning services.

Building a shared understanding of the roles and responsibilities of state and local government is a priority action in Victoria’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2017 – 2020.

Advocacy Immediate


Planning

Planning and Design

Increased clarity provided by the Victorian Government on Local Governments roles and responsibilities


7.1.3 – Embedding of climate change risks into Council’s asset management plans and processes.

A Incorporate requirement to undertake vulnerability assessments into Council’s existing Asset Management Processes.



Planning

Vulnerability Assessments embedded into Asset Management Planning process

$50,000 in 2021/22 Budget


THEME 7



B Utilise the outcomes of the vulnerability assessments to assess options, prioritise actions and develop a budgeted implementation plan for integration into Council’s Capital Expenditure Program and Long-Term Financial Plan.



Planning

Implementation Plan for priority actions by June 2023

$50,000 in 2022/23 Budget


C Identify and assess potential mechanisms to fund asset and infrastructure upgrades that increase resilience to climate change impacts.



Planning

Assessment of potential mechanisms to fund asset and infrastructure upgrades prepared by 2021/22


D Work collaboratively with SECCCA, local government partners and key stakeholders to identify regional infrastructure adaptation projects and consider potential funding mechanisms to help address financial barriers.


Design

Collaborative approach with key stakeholders

Consideration of potential pathways forward


G

Embed consideration of climate change into Council’s Asset Management Strategy and Plans as they are reviewed and updated. This will:

• Be in accordance with the Council Plan and other key strategies

• Include applying the asset vulnerability assessment framework (to be developed: Action 4.3.1.a) to all asset types within the Risk Section of the Asset Management Plans

• Embed climate change into Council’s financial decision-making processes through Council’s Long-Term Financial Strategy and Annual Budget

• Be aligned with international and national standards on assessment of climate change risks and adaptation planning

• Be guided by industry standards addressing impacts of climate change on Assets and Infrastructure set by Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) through NAMS Plus (National Asset Management Standards) as developed and updated.


Policy and Strategy

Development

ImmediateInfrastructure Services and

Planning

Baseline established in 2020/21 for number of Asset Management Plans incorporating climate change

Climate change embedded into updated 2022 Asset Management Strategy

Asset Management Plans reviewed and updated

An asset vulnerability assessment framework to be applied to all asset types within the Risk Section of the Asset Management Plans


ASSETS, INFRASTRUCTURE AND LAND USE PLANNING



H Review and update Council’s Civil Engineering Standards and associated standard design drawings to ensure consideration of climate change impacts.

Strategy and Policy

Development

Short / Medium


Planning

Council’s Civil Engineering Standards and associated standard design drawings updated by 2021


I

Embed consideration of climate change, including responses to direct and indirect impacts, as part of Council’s Capital Improvement Project Bid submissions and evaluation processes. This includes driving technical specifications and tender weightings for procurement purposes.



Planning

Capital Improvement Project bids and evaluation processes must include consideration of climate change as part of the submission process from 2020–21


J Embed lifecycle cost benefit analysis, including climate change resilience, by creating a framework in the Asset Management Planning process including CIP bids.



Planning

Framework established to embed lifecycle cost benefit analysis into Asset Management and CIP processes from 2020/21.


K In collaboration with Melbourne Water, investigate and identify flood mitigation opportunities to address risks and review and develop a forward capital works program for drainage upgrades based on priority, risk and cost-benefit analysis.



Planning

Review and update flood mitigation works program in 2020/21


7.1.4 – Advocacy that supports investment in Council’s infrastructure that helps build the local community’s resilience to the impacts of climate change.

A Advocate for increased information, tools and capacity for the local government sector to reduce exposure to climate risk through the planning, design, construction and management of its infrastructure.

Advocacy OngoingInfrastructure Services and

Planning

No. of advocacy activities undertaken


B Advocate for increased financial support for the local government sector to help ensure its infrastructure continues to meet a growing community’s needs in the face of climate change.

Advocacy OngoingInfrastructure Services and

Planning

Dollar value of funding obtained


THEME 7



7.1.5 – Embedding consideration of climate change impacts and risks into Council’s Land Use planning processes.

A

Undertake vulnerability assessments of Council’s land use planning processes consideration of climate change, to increase Council’s understanding of risks and liabilities and impacts on service delivery.

This is to include an assessment of Council’s land use planning services adaptive capacity to reduce risks and liabilities and identify opportunities.

Planning and

Decision MakingShort

Planning and Design


Planning

Vulnerability assessments of land use planning services completed


B

Develop a budgeted implementation plan that is based on the outcomes of the vulnerability assessments to:

• Assess options • Identify the prioritisation actions

The implementation plan is to be integrated into Council’s Budget and Long-term Financial Plan and aligned with the development of a strategy that integrates the recognition of climate change into the budget process.


DesignImplementation Plan for priority actions by June 2023


C Work with key stakeholders to implement planning controls to alleviate the impact of urban consolidation, infill development and climate change on existing drainage infrastructure.

Planning and Decisions Making Immediate


Planning

Support from DELWP and the VPA to implement controls


D Investigate options for the potential development of a Developer Contribution Policy and Plan that enables Council to recover costs required to upgrade existing infrastructure to accommodate infill development.

Funding ImmediateInfrastructure Services and

Planning

Options for a Developer of Contribution Policy investigated in 2020/21





7.2.1 – Increased awareness across the municipality of the risks of climate change to assets and land use

A Work with CASBE and other key stakeholders to continue to update planning information fact sheets on opportunities to increase the resilience of the community’s assets and land use to climate change.


Design

Updated Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process (SDAPP) and Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS) fact sheets


B Review opportunities to increase Council’s community awareness programs that focus on the role and importance of infrastructure in response to the climate and ecological emergency.



Planning

Community Climate Change mobilisation prepared


C Review and update information and reports on council’s website (Sustainability and the environment section) regarding asset planning and management (Building, drainage, open space etc.)



Planning

Information on Council’s website regularly updated


7.2.2 – A community better prepared to manage risks that climate change impacts may have on their assets and land use.

A Embed consideration of climate change resilience into Council’s Design Manual for the Subdivision of Land.

Strategy and Policy

development Ongoing


Planning

Updated Design Manual for the Subdivision of Land by 2022


THEME 7


7.2 – Reducing climate change risks to our community through resilient assets and infrastructure.Target: A reduction in the vulnerability of our community to the impacts of climate change.

Measure: Climate Vulnerability Index Assessment (Baseline to be established 2020–21)




B Continue to collaborate with Melbourne Water to identify and implement measures to reduce flood risks across the municipality.



Planning

Implementation of the 2018 Dandenong Flood Management Plan


C

Work in collaboration with other key stakeholders (including Melbourne Water, DELWP and South East Water) to ensure the Melbourne Racing Club’s (MRC) Comprehensive Development Plan being prepared for the proposed Sandown Park Racecourse re-development adequately responds to flooding and integrated water management requirements.

Advocacy

Planning and Decisions Making

Immediate Infrastructure Services and

Planning

Flooding and integrated water management requirements incorporated into the MRC’s Comprehensive Development Plan for the Sandown Park Racecourse re-development


D

Work in collaboration with the Victorian Planning Authority and other key stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of the Monash National Employment and Innovation Cluster Framework’s vision for the region and the community. The framework’s guiding principles to achieve the vision include:

• Integrated transport networks • Sustainable social infrastructure and open space • Sustainable development with increased climate change

resilience, integrated water management and resource efficiencies.

Advocacy

Planning and Decisions Making

Ongoing

Planning and Design


Planning

Advocacy activities undertaken resulting in facilitation and stronger alignment of infrastructure assets and plans with Council


7.2.3 – Advocacy that supports investment in local and regional infrastructure that helps build the local community’s resilience to the impacts of climate change.

A

Advocacy that supports investment in infrastructure that helps build the local community’s resilience to the impacts of climate change. This includes advocacy undertaken by Council directly and through its membership of local government alliances such as South East Melbourne, the Eastern Transport Coalition and the Monash National Employment and Innovation Cluster.

Advocacy Short Infrastructure Services and

Planning

Advocacy activities undertaken resulting in investment in infrastructure outcomes for the community





B Advocate for Melbourne Water to review and update the geographical extent of the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO) and Special Building Overlay (SBO) within CGD Planning Scheme.

Advocacy Medium Infrastructure Services and

Planning

Updated LSIO and SBO incorporated into the Planning Scheme


C Advocate for the review and update of climate change adaptation and risk-mitigation strategies in the Victoria Planning Provisions.

Advocacy Ongoing Planning and Design

Advocacy activities undertaken through membership of CASBE and SECCCA


D

Advocate on behalf of the local community to other government bodies, key stakeholders and organisations to ensure that plans for infrastructure assets, transport and stormwater drainage services are integrated with Council’s future infrastructure plans. Advocacy Ongoing


Planning

Advocacy activities undertaken resulting in facilitation and stronger alignment of infrastructure assets and plans with Council


E

Investigate the need for a supporting Public Infrastructure Plan (PIP) prepared by the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) for the Sandown Racecourse re-development in collaboration with Council and other key stakeholders (including DELWP, Melbourne Water, South East Water and VPA).

Advocacy Immediate Infrastructure Services and

Planning

Investigation undertaken into the need for a supporting Public Infrastructure Plan (PIP)


F

Advocate to key stakeholders:

• For public lighting reforms • To invest in integrated demand management, renewables and

battery storage to assist with network reliability and to defer network augmentations and associated costs.

Advocacy Ongoing Infrastructure Services and

Planning



THEME 7



8.1.1 – Increased awareness within Council of the environmental impacts resulting from use of resources as well as opportunities to reduce generation of waste

A

Support Council’s response to the Climate and Ecological Emergency by increasing organisational adaptive capacity and staff awareness through the promotion of internal waste management goals and expectations to all Council staff to reduce waste and increase resource recovery across Council offices.



Advisory Group



BDevelop and deliver a communications strategy across council to foster decreased material generation, increased uptake of recycling, and understanding of avenues for re-use of materials.

Policy and Strategy



Communications Strategy prepared by 2021

As per funding for Waste and Litter Strategy

THEME 8


8.1 – Reducing the environmental impacts from Council’s use of resources.Target: Reduce office waste to landfill to 30% by 2025

Measure: Council office waste audit

Baseline: 2019: 46%

Target: Increase office waste recycled to 70% by 2025

Measure: Council office waste audit

Baseline: 2019: 54%

Theme 8. Waste and ResourcesGoal: A city of low waste through efficient resource use.




C

Inclusion of roles and responsibilities in position descriptions that facilitate internal champions and accountability for Council’s response to the Climate and Ecological Emergency through management of waste and procurement processes.



Planning


Amenity

Reference to Council’s declaration of a Climate and Ecological Emergency included in all new role’s position descriptions.

Commence update of existing position descriptions for all staff as part of Staff Personal Development Plan reviews in 2020/21


DAssess Council’s capacity to adapt its waste management to reduce risks and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change.



Review of adaptative capacity as part of vulnerability assessments


E

As part of Council’s overall program of vulnerability assessments, include waste management and resource procurement as part of the vulnerability assessments to climate change, to increase understanding of physical and financial impacts to Council’s waste management assets and procurement processes as well as impacts on service delivery.

This pilot project will inform further vulnerability assessments of Council’s waste management assets, procurement processes and physical and financial impacts on service delivery to commence in 2021



Corporate Services

Vulnerability assessments of Council’s key assets to commence in 2020/21

Impact of climate change on service delivery recognised in asset value by 2022/23



THEME 8



8.1.2 – Reducing waste sent to landfill from Council’s facilities and events

AOngoing implementation of programs to reduce waste and increase resource recovery across Council’s offices and community events (e.g. Waste Wise).



Implementation of Council’s Waste Wise Office program.


As per funding for Waste and Litter Strategy

BImplementation of Council’s Plastic Use Policy across its corporate operations and service delivery, as well as at festivals, events and applicable activities on any land or building owned and managed by Council



Amenity

Implementation of Council’s Plastics Use Policy to Council operations and procurement


CImplementation of Council’s Procurement Policy to encourage sustainable procurement outcomes by using products and services which have minimal impact on the environment and human health

Planning and Decision Making Ongoing Corporate

ServicesDevelopment of indicators to procurement performance


DExpand public place recycling bins across the municipality, to include shopping precincts, regional parks and sporting venues


OngoingBusiness,


No. of recycling bins installed in CGD


EAssess the potential to better recover materials from Council operations and works, and investigate further opportunities for both recovery and re-use of recycled materials



No. of recycling bins installed in CGD


F

All new Council buildings to be designed and built to achieve sustainable waste management and materials use goals and objectives in accordance with Council’s Sustainable Buildings Policy

Asset Planning and

Improvement Ongoing


Implementation of Council’s Sustainable Buildings Policy.

Monitoring and reporting to be undertaken in accordance with the Sustainable Buildings Policy


WASTE AND RESOURCES



8.1.3 – Sustainable procurement practices that positively influence Council's supply chain

AInvestigate opportunities to increase use of recycled materials and products across Council’s operations to assist in achieving circular economy goals, in line with the Waste and Litter Prevention Strategy.


Corporate Services


Opportunities reported on Within anticipated operational budgets

BImplement Council’s Procurement Policy which aims to reduce its environmental impacts by actively promoting green procurement throughout its supply chain.


Corporate Services


No. of contracts awarded addressing sustainability criteria


CImplement a Procurement Education Program to help inform Council staff with procurement responsibilities of sustainability considerations within the procurement process

Engagement and Education Short Corporate

ServicesImplementation of Procurement Education Program


DAssess Council’s capacity to adapt procurement and resource processes to climate risks and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change.



Review of adaptative capacity as part of vulnerability assessments


THEME 8



8.2.1 – Increasing our community’s awareness of the environmental impacts of their resource use and waste management

ADevelopment and implementation of an Annual Waste Education Plan in accordance with Council’s 2015 Waste and Litter Strategy (as revised from time to time).



Implementation of Annual Waste Education Plan

$247,195 funded in the 2020/21 financial year

BReview, update and deliver communications campaigns including waste education materials, tools and programs to the community to increase engagement and awareness focused on waste avoidance and sustainable consumption.



Implementation of Annual Waste Education Plan and promotional education campaigns


CContinue to promote and support opportunities for community diversion and recycling of soft plastics in line with Council’s Plastic Use Policy.



Reduction in household plastic usage and contamination as determined through annual kerbside contamination audits

Within existing budget

D

Collaborate with key stakeholders and partners to ensure waste education material and resources are more accessible to Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities to increase awareness in response to the climate and ecological emergency we are facing.


Planning and Design


Translate existing waste education materials into other commonly spoken community languages



8.2 – Reducing the impacts from our community’s use of resources and generation of waste.Target: A 10% reduction in total household

kerbside waste collected by 2025

Measure: Household kerbside waste collection data

Baseline: 54.5 Mg (2018/19)

Target: 50% household kerbside waste to landfill by 2025


Baseline: 54% (2018/19)

Target: 50% household kerbside waste diverted from landfill by 2025


Baseline: 46% (2018/19)


WASTE AND RESOURCES



EContinue to engage with the education sector (early learning, kinder, primary, secondary and specialist schools) to facilitate behaviour change that supports sustainable consumption of resources and appropriate waste disposal practices.



Delivery Waste Minimisation School Education Program to schools


FContinue to engage with real estate agents to support behaviour change and compliant waste and recycling practices across rental properties.



Engagement with property managers’ information guides


G

Review the provision of waste services and the scope of for improvement communication and collaboration with:

• Commercial properties• Schools and children's services• Sporting clubs.

Policy and Strategy

DevelopmentMedium


Opportunity report delivered by 2021

HWork with Council’s partners to update planning information fact sheets on opportunities to enhance waste management and building materials selection.



Amenity

Updated SDAPP Waste and Materials fact sheets


IContinue to implement councils Litter Prevention services across the municipality to discourage unlawful waste disposal practices.



Litter prevention programs and engagement activities


J Promote existing programs and collaborate with the business community to stimulate circular economy programs.



No. of businesses engaged Within anticipated operational budgets

KContinue to complete strategic snapshot contamination audits of kerbside bins. This will assist in determining the most common contaminants, as well as areas to prioritise.

Policy and Strategy

Development Medium


Kerbside bin contamination audit report


THEME 8



8.2.2 – Increasing services and infrastructure to support our community’s efforts to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill

A

Advocacy with partners and key stakeholders for Federal Government action to address Australia’s waste crisis, in particular:

• Implementation of the National Waste Strategy and its focus on a circular economy

• Mandatory product stewardship requirements for all toxic and other relevant products to lower their lifecycle impacts.



Advocacy undertaken with key stakeholders


B

Partner with the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group (MWRRG) in advocacy efforts to the State and Federal Government for:

• Waste and resource recovery infrastructure in line with the Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Implementation Plan and regional needs

• National and state-wide waste minimisation and resource awareness programs

• Legislation to increase product stewardship.



Advocacy undertaken through Council’s participation in the MAV and MWRRG


C

Implementation of Council’s Waste and Litter Strategy (as revised from time to time), to focus on:

• Delivering best practice waste management services and promoting resource recovery

• Collaboration with a broad range of partners• Educating and informing the community• Provide leadership in the planning of future waste services

and infrastructure.


OngoingBusiness,


Reporting of progress of the annual action plan under the Waste and Litter Strategy


DReview and update Council’s 2015 Waste and Litter Strategy to ensure it continues to address the unsustainable use of resources, generation of waste to landfill, and more ambitious diversion targets stipulated.

Policy and Strategy



New Waste and Litter Strategy by December 2020


WASTE AND RESOURCES



E

Actively participate in the procurement process for key services in accordance with the MWRRG project plan including:

• Introduction of Advanced Waste and Resource Recovery Services as an alternative to landfill

• Waste landfill and transfer services• Co-mingled recycling processing services.


Ongoing Business,


MWRRG Project Plan Procurement Services Contracts


F Investigate partnership opportunities with local industries to enable diversion of ‘other’ household waste materials.



Partnership agreements developed


GImplementation of Local Planning Provision Clause 22.06 Environmentally Sustainable Development to achieve best practice waste management outcomes design, construction and operational outcomes.



Amenity

ESD requirements assessed for all applicable planning applications


HCollaborate with local governments through CASBE to update BESS and other tools to facilitate best practice waste management processes and minimisation of resource use through the planning process.



AmenityAdvocacy actions undertaken Within anticipated

operational budgets

ICollaborate with and continue to support local community groups working to create a circular economy and/or reduce waste sent to landfill. (e.g. Boomerang Bags).



Amenity

No. of collaboration activities undertaken with community groups


THEME 8



8.2.3 – A reduction in community greenhouse gas emissions from food waste

AContinue to implement Council’s existing waste education programs to encourage community uptake of home composting initiatives to reduce food waste to landfill.



No. of composting workshops and activities held

No. of participants


BExpansion of existing household kerbside waste collection to include Household Food Organics to reduce waste sent to landfill.

Service Planning and Improvement Immediate


Introduction of Food Organics household service by April 2021

$200,000

funded for 2020/21 financial year

CDevelop and implement a food and organic waste education and behaviour change program to support the introduction of the Food Organics Garden Organics kerbside collection service.



Food Organics waste education program developed by January 2021

$191,416 funded for 2020/21 financial year

$88,416 per annum funded for 2022–2025

DPromote the participation of cafes and restaurants in the free “Love Food Hate Waste” program which provides hospitality businesses with the ability to reduce both operating costs and food waste.

Education and Engagement Medium


No. of businesses participating


WASTE AND RESOURCES